The prize money for the York-based UK Snooker Championship has increased to over £1million for the first time in the competition’s history.

Five-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan won the Championship last year and the winners’ share of £170,000, though that figure will rise to £200,000 when the event resumes in November at the Barbican Centre in York.

The rise comes as part of an overall increase in the World Snooker Tour prize money which now stands at just over £14million, across 19 rankings events and six invitation events across 11 different territories.

As well as the UK Championship, the Betfred World Championship prize fund increased to £2,395,000 with a £500,000 cheque going to the winner.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “Our sport continues to grow, our global audience has reached half a billion in over 120 countries.

“We have had spectacular commercial success over the past decade, bearing in mind that ten years ago the sport had six ranking events and £3.5 million total prize money.

“Our success is reflected in the prize money increases we have made this season. The top players are earning more than ever – with Judd Trump becoming the first player to earn more than £1 million last season.

“But we are also increasing the rewards in the early rounds of tournaments, evident in the fact that 59 players have earned over £100,000 on the two-year money list.

“We are constantly exploring ways to continue our growth, to bring more snooker to the fans and greater rewards to the players. In the coming years we will see this fantastic sport continue to flourish.”