THE world’s best snooker players will compete on the opening day of the BetVictor Welsh Open in Llandudno next month.

The tournament will run from February 13 to 19 and will be staged in North Wales for the first time, at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, which has hosted several world ranking events in the past.

More than 70 players will take part, including world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, John Higgins, Mark Allen, Welsh favourite Mark Williams, and defending champion Joe Perry, who defeated Trump in last year’s final.

Matches to look out for on the opening day on Monday February 13 include:

  • Joe Perry v Mark King at 10am
  • Shaun Murphy v Victor Sarkis at 10am
  • Ronnie O’Sullivan v Oliver Lines at 1pm
  • Neil Robertson v Fraser Patrick at 1pm
  • Mark Williams v Michael White during the afternoon session
  • John Higgins v Alexander Ursenbacher during the afternoon session
  • Judd Trump v David Grace at 7pm
  • Mark Selby v Jamie O’Neill during the evening session
  • Mark Allen v Alfie Burden during the evening session

A spokesman for the World Snooker Tour said: “We are delighted to bring this historic event, which has been ever present on the snooker calendar since 1992, to North Wales for the first time.

“Having staged many events at Venue Cymru in Llandudno we know it is a fantastic location, especially for families in half term week.

MORE: Cricket twins from Colwyn Bay receive award for team success!

“The field is packed with snooker’s biggest names and this is a fabulous opportunity to see them in action.

“The opening day has an incredible line-up of green baize legends and we expect to see local fans packing the arena to enjoy sport of the highest quality.”

Part of the Home Nations Series, the BetVictor Welsh Open has an international television audience of hundreds of millions, with live coverage from broadcasters including Eurosport, Quest, BBC Wales and CCTV5 in China.

It is the final event in the 2022/23 Series, with the rankings leader to earn a huge £150,000 bonus.

Tickets, starting at just £10, are on sale now but fans must book fast now that the schedule has been released. For details visit www.wst.tv/tickets, and for the full schedule see www.wst.tv.