JUDD Trump, Ding Junhui, and Jimmy White are the top attractions on Day One of the Betway UK Snooker Championship at York Barbican.

One of the sport's 'Triple Crown' events, the tournament starts this afternoon and runs until December 4 with all 128 competitors in action on eight tables over the first three days.

Defending champion Neil Robertson is the number one seed but Ronnie O'Sullivan, back at the Barbican for the first time since winning the tournament two years ago, is the bookmakers' 4-1 favourite to lift the trophy for the sixth time in his career.

O'Sullivan meets Thailand's Boonyarit Keattikun in the first round on Wednesday night while Robertson takes on Peter Lines, from Leeds, in Thursday's evening session.

Fourth seed Trump's game against James Wattana is the highlight of today's evening session starting at 7.30pm.

Wattana, 46, reached the dizzy heights of number three in the world during the 1990s but now competes as an amateur and lives in Bangkok.

Today's first session starts at 2.30pm and games includes fifth seed Ding, a two-time winner of the tournament, in action against Brazil's Igor Figueiredo.

The hugely popular White, now 54, has a tricky first round tie against Welshman Ryan Day who has reached the quarterfinals of the World Championship three times in the last nine years.

Local hero Paul Davison, from Pickering, takes on number 39 seed Gary Wilson on Wednesday morning.

Prize money has reached a record level of £850,000 with £170,000 for the winner, £75,000 for the runner-up, and £5,000 for the highest break.

All-day tickets for the early stages are still available at just £11. For details call 0844 854 2757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Tournament sponsors Betway, meanwhile, provide their low-down on the players and best prices below.

https://blog.betway.com/snooker/betway-uk-championship-tips-your-best-bets-for-snookers-glamour-event/