THE Coral UK Snooker Championship in York is on course to break box office records.

The tournament starts at the Barbican tomorrow and runs until Sunday, December 7, with top stars like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson gunning for the top prize.

Nearly 7,000 tickets have already been sold, with sales more than 20 per cent up on the equivalent time last year.

A World Snooker spokesman said: “We are well on course to smash all previous box office records for this tournament and we have already sold almost as many tickets as we did by the end of last year’s tournament.

“It’s testament to the enthusiasm for snooker among the people of York and the surrounding area, which shows no signs of abating. We have also made some changes to our marketing methods for the event which has clearly been successful.

“Alongside the team at Coral we’re looking forward to a fantastic fortnight of snooker with 128 players battling for the trophy. The atmosphere at the Barbican, with a packed the arena, is something special.”

BBC’s coverage of the event starts on Saturday, but fans who come to the venue for the first three days will have the chance to see all 128 players in action.

Tickets start at £8, concessions £4. For details, phone 0844 854 2757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets