WORLD-CLASS snooker will return to York Barbican in November.

World Snooker has confirmed the Fishergate venue will again host the UK Snooker Championship, the second biggest tournament in the sport, for the fifth consecutive year after the game’s organisers agreed a one-year deal with venue chiefs.

It means 128 of the game’s top players will compete in the Minster city between November 24 and December 6.

Last year’s tournament, won by five-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan following an epic 10-9 final with Judd Trump, was considered the most successful in the 37-year-old championship’s history.

A total of 9,000 tickets were sold over the 12 days of competition, which was more than 20 per cent up on the 7,300 figure in 2013.

And the final was a total sell-out of the Barbican’s 1,049 capacity venue.

Tickets for this year’s event are expected to go on sale during the first week of the World Championship, which begins at the Crucible Theatre, in Sheffield, on April 18.

Ivan Hirschowitz, World Snooker spokesman, said: “Year on year, we have been delighted with how the tournament has grown. What happened on the table last year couldn’t have gone any better with Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump meeting in an incredible final - one of the best in the UK’s history.”

Despite some changes to the set- up in the main arena and sports hall, there was some vociferous criticism from some of the sport’s top stars - most notably O’Sullivan, who challenged organisers to consider getting a “proper venue” and branded table conditions as “shocking”.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn, however, was quick to stamp out talk of a move, declaring the tournament would remain in York for “the foreseeable future”.

Hirschowitz added: “There were a few subtle changes to the arena, which seemed to work. There were still some comments from players and we will be taking that feed - back on board but York is a great venue for a great event. Sometimes when you go somewhere for a few years it starts tailing off but the event has grown year on year at York.

“There has been a change to bring 128 players to the venue and the vast majority of fans have appreciated that and the chance to see up and coming players. It always seems to bring up some good stores.

“The change to best of 11 frames last year has been a success. We are looking forward to coming back. It is one of the nicest venues we come to each year.”