The likes of defending champion Jimmy White and rival Stephen Hendry will be in action in Sheffield.
World Seniors Snooker (WSS) has today announced that the 2020 ROKiT Phones World Seniors Snooker Championship will once again be held at the Crucible Theatre from August 19th to 22nd.
Won a year ago by the ever-popular Jimmy White, the tournament will see a distinguished line-up of 16 players battle it out to lift the trophy at the home of snooker.
For the first time, the tournament will be broadcast live on BBC digital platforms with selected matches available on the Red Button.
ROKiT Phones will be the title sponsor to the event, continuing a relationship which saw the telecommunications company become the naming rights partner of the WSS Tour in 2019.
The event will be held behind closed doors with no tickets available for spectators due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An international field of 16 players will be led by defending champion Jimmy White – who alongside seven-time world professional champion Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty, and reigning UK Seniors champion Michael Judge act as the four seeded players kept apart until the semi-finals.
The remaining dozen players will be randomly placed in the draw, including former world champions Dennis Taylor and Joe Johnson, as well as former top 10 duo Tony Knowles and Tony Drago.
Also set to compete at the Crucible are former World Seniors Snooker champions Peter Lines, Nigel Bond, Aaron Canavan, and Darren Morgan.
The draw will be completed by WSS Tour players Leo Fernandez, Patrick Wallace, Rodney Goggins, and Gary Filtness.
The @ROKiTPhonesUK World Seniors Snooker Championship is ON! Full statement here https://t.co/rVou8Q952k with the field of 16 and a message from @SHendry775 here @rokit pic.twitter.com/HiLYoVHbmk
— ROKiT World Seniors Snooker (@WorldSeniors) August 5, 2020
The inclusion of current professional players has been made possible following a landmark new agreement between WSS and the World Snooker Tour, which will now allow lower ranked tour players over 40 to compete at WSS events.
Players not automatically invited to tournaments will be eligible to enter future qualifying events.
Jason Francis, WSS Chairman said: “The ROKiT Phones World Seniors Snooker Tour has gone from strength to strength and despite these difficult times globally we are delighted to be able to deliver a truly world class event live on the BBC and around the world.”
“I would like to thank our title sponsor ROKiT Phones for their continued support and look forward to seeing some fantastic snooker played later this month.”
Jason Ferguson, WPBSA Chairman said: “It is always such a treat to see snooker’s grand masters reappear at the Crucible Theatre.”
“Few could forget the great sporting moments and entertainment these former champions have given us.
“The WPBSA strategy is to grow a sport for all – from aspiring juniors, elite amateurs, and professional tour players – through to the incredible entertainment of the ROKiT World Seniors Tour.
“Snooker is a sport for life, and I would like to thank ROKiT Phones, our broadcasters, and partners for the opportunity to add this great event and tour to our group.”
The 2020 ROKIT Phones World Seniors Snooker Championship takes place from August 19th to 22nd at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.
