The best players in the world are in Sheffield for this year's World Snooker Championship.

The likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby and John Higgins have been busy practicing and preparing for the tournament at the Crucible Theatre.

And their tailors have had a busy time of it too!

Rules stipulate that players at the tournament must wear formal attire, consisting of smart shoes and trousers along with a collared shirt, waistcoat and bow tie.

But one player is exempt from the full fancy get up.

Scottish snooker star Stephen Maguire doesn't wear a bow tie during his matches, instead going with an open-neck shirt.

Why does Stephen Maguire not wear a bow tie?

Maguire has special dispensation not to wear a tie during games as he has a doctor's note exempting him from having to put one on.

Speaking earlier in his career, the Scot snooker star said: "I played with a bow-tie for my first few years as a professional but developed a neck condition and that really put me off.

"I went to the doctor and he managed to get a letter to allow me to play without it.

"I have really climbed the rankings since then, so I think that was a significant factor."

Maguire opens up his 2018 World Snooker Championship challenge against world No.2 Ronnie O'Sullivan.

O'Sullivan has been in great form this season, wrapping up five ranking titles.

And Maguire knows he's got a tough ask on his hands.

“Ronnie brings a different atmosphere and a completely different game, all the rest of them are very similar," he said.

“You know the kind of crowd Ronnie brings and it's always a special occasion.”

O'Sullivan vs Maguire gets underway at 2.30pm Saturday with the best-of-19 frame match concluding on Sunday morning from 10am.

“Ronnie brings a different atmosphere and a completely different game, all the rest of them are very similar," he said.

“You know the kind of crowd Ronnie brings and it's always a special occasion.”

O'Sullivan vs Maguire gets underway at 2.30pm Saturday with the best-of-19 frame match concluding on Sunday morning from 10am.