Snooker’s leading players including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby and Judd Trump have had their first round matches scheduled for February’s Ladbrokes World Grand Prix in Preston.

The world ranking event at the iconic Guild Hall will feature 32 players battling for a top prize of £100,000. Running from February 19-25, the event will be televised by ITV4.

The top 32 players on this season’s one-year ranking list will qualify for the tournament, with the cut-off point falling after next week’s Coral Shoot Out in Watford. On Monday February 13 the full draw and format will be announced.

The following players are already guaranteed a spot in Preston and their opening matches have been scheduled as follows:

Monday February 19

7.00pm

Five-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan v opponent

China Championship winner Luca Brecel v opponent

Tuesday February 20

1.00pm

Masters champion Mark Allen v opponent

Four-time World Champion John Higgins v opponent

7.00pm

Eight-time ranking event winner Judd Trump v opponent

Triple Crown winner Shaun Murphy v opponent

Wednesday February 21

1.00pm

World number one and World Champion Mark Selby v opponent

Two-time World Champion Mark Williams v opponent

13-time ranking event winner Ding Junhui v opponent

Tickets for the tournament are ON SALE NOW and with a special Winter Offer currently running, they start from as little as £13.05.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “We’re thrilled to be heading back to the Guild Hall in Preston where so many of snooker’s great and historic moments have taken place.

“This year the field for the Ladbrokes World Grand Prix is incredibly strong, with all of the top stars contesting the title.

“There are two more tournaments to go until the full line up of 32 stars is known: this week’s German Masters and next week’s Coral Shoot Out. All of the players with a chance to qualify will be desperate to jump up the ranking list and earn a place in Preston.

“With tickets selling fast, fans must book their seats now for the chance to see the best players on the planet, at fantastic value for money.”