Further to last week’s announcement detailing the opening matches of the top eight snooker stars competing in the Coral World Grand Prix in Cheltenham, four more players have had their first round ties scheduled.

The world ranking event runs from February 4 to 10 at the Centaur arena, and it’s the first ever professional snooker event to be held at Cheltenham Racecourse.

First round matches have now been scheduled for the players currently ranked 9 to 12 on the one-year list: Stuart Bingham, Jimmy Robertson, Joe Perry and John Higgins.

The first round matches already in place are:

Monday February 4

7pm

Five-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan v opponent
2018 Masters champion Mark Allen v opponent
Former World Champion Stuart Bingham v opponent

Tuesday February 5

1pm

Current World Champion Mark Williams v opponent
Triple Crown winner Neil Robertson v opponent
European Masters champion Jimmy Robertson v opponent

7pm

New Masters champion Judd Trump v opponent
Cheltenham’s rising star Jack Lisowski v opponent
Former Players Championship winner Joe Perry v opponent

Wednesday February 6

1pm

World number one Mark Selby v opponent
World Open finalist David Gilbert v opponent
Four-time World Champion John Higgins v opponent

The leading 32 players on snooker’s one-year ranking list qualify for the event. The field is not yet confirmed as there is still one more counting event, the German Masters which finishes on February 3.

Other top stars currently in line to qualify include Shaun Murphy, Kyren Wilson, Barry Hawkins and Ding Junhui. The full draw and format will be announced as soon as it is available.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “Last week we witnessed an incredible Masters tournament in London which showcased the golden generation of snooker stars. Now is the time to come and watch them live.

“And there is a growing sense of excitement about coming to Cheltenham for the first time as it will be a fabulous venue for live snooker. The opening night is a tremendous line up with Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Allen and Stuart Bingham among the eight players in action. But tickets must be booked in advance as certain sessions will sell out.”

Televised by ITV, the Coral World Grand Prix is the first in the Coral series, to be followed by the Coral Players Championship in Preston and new Coral Tour Championship in Llandudno.

Tickets for Cheltenham are now on sale and start at just £15, tremendous value for money.

For an extra special experience there are also amazing hospitality packages available for all sessions, for up to 18 people in a private box .

source - worldsnooker