The Ladbrokes Players Championship: What you need to know
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After a thrilling tournament saw Shaun Murphy edge Stuart Bingham in the Ladbrokes World Grand Prix a fortnight ago, the snooker circus heads from Llandudno to Manchester for the Ladbrokes Players Championship.
With the season reaching its conclusion – just three events remain – players will be going all out to nab a trophy and find some form ahead of the World Championship in Sheffield next month.
Last year’s Players Championship saw Joe Perry claim his first ranking title, edging Mark Williams 4-3.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament in Manchester next week…
What
The Ladbrokes Players Championship marks the end of the European and Asian Tours, with 24 spots going to those from the European Tour Order of Merit, two places from the Asian Tour Order of Merit, plus another six from a combination of both lists, meaning we’ll have 32 of the world’s top players in action.
With just the China Open remaining this season before the Crucible, players need all the ranking points they can get if they want a shot at making the World Championship next month.
Who
World number one Mark Selby heads the list, while Judd Trump and Shaun Murphy ensure that three of the world’s top six players will be in action.
The ever-popular Mark Williams and Ali Carter are also in the draw, while Luca Brecel and Martin Gould represent two of the tournament’s potential underdogs.
Where
Event City in Manchester – right behind the Trafford Centre – plays host to the event for the first time after Thailand held last year’s event.
Tickets are available here.
When
The tournament gets underway on Tuesday, running through the week towards a conclusion on Sunday 27 March.
ITV4 will have live coverage throughout the tournament, so there’s no excuse not to tune in!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
