Belgium will stage a World Snooker rating occasion for the primary time in 23 years in October when the 2017 European Masters involves Lommel.
The event will run from October 2 to eight within the metropolis of Lommel within the Belgian province of Limburg. Belgium hosted the European Open from 1992 to 1994, within the cities of Tongeren and Antwerp, however has not staged a full rating occasion since.
The event will begin with a 128-player flat draw, with a qualifying spherical to run on August 3-4 in Preston and the winners going by way of to the ultimate phases in Belgium.
Judd Trump received the European Masters final season, beating Ronnie O’Sullivan 9-8 in a dramatic remaining in Bucharest, Romania.
The recognition of snooker has grown in Belgium in recent times, notably by way of tv protection on Eurosport in addition to the success of proficient younger participant Luca Brecel.
World quantity 27 Brecel is the very best ranked participant from continental Europe. The 22-year-old from Maasmechelen reached the ultimate of the German Masters final yr and stays the youngest ever participant to compete within the remaining phases of the World Championship, having made his Crucible debut in 2012 on the age of 17. Brecel is in China this week representing his nation within the Snooker World Cup.
World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn stated: “We’re thrilled to be rising our footprint in Europe by staging a rating occasion within the stunning metropolis of Lommel for the primary time.
“Snooker has grown at an astonishing charge in Europe in recent times and our viewing figures on Eurosport are incredible. Our sport is extraordinarily standard in Belgium and now the followers there have the prospect to see their heroes play dwell.
“We need to see extra gifted younger gamers like Luca Brecel emerge from the continent, and staging main tournaments is a crucial means of holding our development going and galvanizing the following era.”
Mayor of Lommel Peter Vanvelthoven added: “We’re extraordinarily thrilled to have the ability to host such a prestigious occasion in our metropolis, Lommel. With pleasure we offer our venue and data! That is an distinctive alternative to see Luca Brecel – younger snooker expertise from our area and nation – play in our beloved metropolis. This can appeal to many guests for certain.”
Particulars of how one can purchase tickets for the occasion will probably be introduced quickly.
