The 2014 Dafabet Champion of Champions takes place this week.
The tournament takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, with play commencing on Wednesday morning.
In the UK, the tournament is streaming live online with 365.
Preview:
Reigning champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who was knocked out of the International Championship in China last week, returns to defend his title with a re-match of last year’s final as he faces World No.10 Stuart Bingham on Wednesday. The winner of that Group 1 encounter will go on to face the winner of Shaun Murphy and Marco Fu for a berth in the weekend’s semi-finals.
In Group 3, ‘The Thunder from Down Under’ Neil Robertson will face Ali Carter, whilst International Championship winner Ricky Walden comes up against the man he beat in the final in Chengdu on Sunday (10-7), Mark Allen, for the second time in a week.
The world number 11 win in the Far East represents the most prestigious title of his career to date and biggest pay-day, with the £125,000 top prize being the largest of any snooker tournament outside the UK. It is his third major title along with the 2008 Shanghai Masters and 2012 Wuxi Classic, and he’ll be in confident mood heading to Coventry on the back of that success.
“I couldn’t be happier,” said Walden on Sunday. “It was a tough first session today, and then I got better in the second session. It’s a dream come true to win this event. All three of my titles have come in China and I love playing here.
“It was a tiring tournament with long matches, but I’ve being trying to get enough rest in between, to keep myself going.
“I’ve not thought about the money. It was just so important for me to get my hands on the trophy. The money is just a bonus. My wife will find a good place for it.”
The event kicks off on Monday with the Group 4 matches between Ding Junhui and Dominic Dale and Barry Hawkins and John Higgins, whilst Tuesday’s fixtures see Mark Selby tackle Steve Davis and Judd Trump face Stephen Maguire.
With a £270,000 prize fund, including £100,000 for the ultimate winner, the Champion of Champions should provide a feast of top class snooker.
Champion of Champions schedule:All Times GMT
Wednesday 5th, Group 1 (first match at 1.00pm)
Ronnie O’Sullivan (1) v Stuart Bingham
Shaun Murphy (2) v Marco Fu
Friday 7th, Group 3 (first match at 1.00pm)
Neil Robertson (1) v Ali Carter (or winner of International if not already qualified)
Ricky Walden (2) v Mark Allen
Monday 3rd, Group 4 (first match at 1.00pm)
Ding Junhui (1) v Dominic Dale
Barry Hawkins (2) v John Higgins
Tuesday 4th, Group 2 (first match at 1.00pm)
Mark Selby (1) v Steve Davis
Judd Trump (2) v Stephen Maguire