TICKET sales for snooker's UK Championship are going through the roof.

World Snooker, organisers of the game's second biggest tournament which returns to the York Barbican from November 25 to December 7, have revealed more than 5,000 tickets have already been snapped up by fans of the green baize.

That is nearly 20 per cent up on the same time 12 months ago as fans dig deep to watch the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, world champion Mark Selby and defending champion Neil Robertson in action.

It is also on pace to eclipse the record of 5,832 in advance sales in 2011 - the year snooker returned to the Minster city following a five year absence. They were numbers which had not been matched in the then 34-year history of the event.

The ticket drive could be down to the drama which surrounded the future of the competition last time around. The tournament structure, which saw all 128 players arrive in York for the first time, brought criticism as did the practice facilities and the set-up during the early stages.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said the "venue is not right" as play progressed, leading many to speculate that the UK Championship would find another new home.

But, in January, Hearn confirmed the Barbican would again host the 13-day potting festival and it seems snooker loopy supporters have grasped the chance to watch their heroes with both hands at the Fishergate centre.

Ivan Hirschowitz, World Snooker spokesman, said: "It's fantastic to go past the 5,000 mark already and once again we are on target to break the previous record for ticket sales. The enthusiasm of fans in the York area shows no signs of abating.

"We have tweaked the format slightly this year, with all 128 players in action within the first three days, rather than certain matches being held over to the TV stages. This is fairer for all players and also means that fans with tickets for the first three days can see every single player. But certain sessions are selling out fast, so seats must be booked in advance."

Availability for the final is also very limited. To book tickets, call 0844 854 2757 or log on to www.yorkbarbican.co.uk. For more details about the tournament, log on to www.worldsnooker.com