WORLD SNOOKER have expressed “delight” with the success of the williamhill.com UK Championship at York.

After last year’s record ticket sales, in which more than 8,000 were snapped up in total, numbers this time at the Barbican were “slightly down”.

The governing body said the figures were just under 8,000 over the nine days of the tournament, held at the Fishergate venue for the second time since its refurbishment.

But given the absence of world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has taken a sabbatical from the game, and the early departure of stars like Judd Trump and John Higgins, World Snooker continues to be “pleased” with the support the tournament has in the city.

And, although ticket sales may not quite have reached 2011 levels, revenue overall for the tournament actually went up thanks to increased sales of VIP packages.

Ivan Hirschowitz, World Snooker spokesman, said: “We are delighted with how it has gone. We are really pleased with how many tickets were sold and the support of the people of York.

“It all bodes well for next year.”