TICKETS for the final session of the Betway UK Snooker Championship at York Barbican have nearly sold out after a surge in sales last week.

Mark Selby's victory over John Higgins in the World Championship final at the Sheffield Crucible led to increased sales for all snooker's 'Triple Crown' tournaments.

Tickets for all 17 days of next year's World Championship sold out within 24 hours of release. There are still tickets available for the afternoon session of the Betway UK Championship final and the earlier rounds of the tournament which takes place between November 28 and December 10.

World number one Selby beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-7 in the final of last year's UK Snooker Championship at York and ended the 2016/17 season with a record record-equalling five ranking titles; the Paul Hunter Classic, International Championship, UK Championship, China Open and World Championship.

The 33-year-old from Leicester also smashed the record for the most prize money earned in one season, banking £932,000, and extended his vast lead at the top of the world rankings.

Meanwhile, all tickets have been snapped up for the last session of the Dafabet Masters at Alexandra Palace, which runs from January 14-21, but there are still tickets available for the afternoon session and earlier rounds.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: "We've just finished our best ever season, in terms of ticket sales, with all records broken and it looks like next season is going to smash those records again.

"Our World Championship sales over the past few days have been extraordinary, with the entire event now sold out," he added. "Snooker is growing rapidly as a global sport - in terms of our viewing figures, number of events and prize money. It's fantastic to see the enthusiasm of fans who want to see their heroes in action live.

"The message is clear to anyone who wants a place in the arena at any of our tournaments - book fast or risk missing out!"

For details of current availability visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets