British Open returns to the snooker calendar after 17-year absence
Higgins produced another inspired display against rival O’Sullivan (Photo by PA Images)
The British Open will return to the snooker calendar for the first time in 17 years during the 2021/22 season.
First held in 1985, the British Open was one of the flagship events of the season and has been won by a host of the sport’s all-time greats.
It will return as a ranking event in 2021 from August 16-22, seventeen years after it was last held in Brighton, with John Higgins defeating Stephen Maguire in the final.
The tournament will feature all 128 tour professionals, though a venue, prize fund and broadcast details are yet to be confirmed.
The British Open takes the total of events scheduled on the 2021/22 calendar to 19, with discussions ongoing for several other potential tournaments.
“We continue to work towards building a full calendar for the 2021/22 season and the schedule is gradually taking shape,” said WST Chairman Steve Dawson.
“We are delighted to bring back the British Open which has a fantastic history and has been won by many of the greats including Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams, Paul Hunter and John Higgins.
“Planning for the tournament is now in progress with the intention to restore its position as a prestigious event on the calendar.”
The British Open, which was also held in Plymouth, Newcastle and Telford, has featured six maximum breaks, with James Wattanna, Graeme Dott, Stephen Hendry and John Higgins among those to achieve perfection.