UK Championship format revamped from 2022
Stephen Maguire in action (Credit: Nigel French/PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)
The format for the UK Championship has been drastically altered from 2022, with the world’s top 16 players now seeded through to the televised stages.
The new format will mirror that of the World Championship, with the top 16 seeds joined in the main event by a further 16 qualifiers.
A total of 128 players (112 professionals and 16 amateurs) will be involved in qualifying, which will take place before the final stages in York from 12-20 November at a venue still to be confirmed.
The prize fund for the prestigious Triple Crown event has been boosted from £1,009,000 to £1,205,0000, with the first prize up from £200,000 to £250,000.
The York Barbican, home of the UK Championship since 2011, will continue to host the main stages, and matches will remain best of 11 frames from the Last 32 to the Semi-Finals, with the final best of 19.
The last UK Championship to feature a ‘flat 128 draw’ format was won by China’s Zhao Xintong – who defeated Belgium’s Luca Brecel 10-5 in the 2021 final last December.
WST Chairman Steve Dawson said: “This format works perfectly for the World Championship so it is also ideal for our second biggest ranking event, the UK Championship.
“This guarantees a star-studded line-up for the final stages, while the qualifying event itself also creates drama and great storylines as 128 players battle for 16 coveted spots at the fabulous York Barbican venue.
“We are also delighted to increase prize money for the event, to the benefit of every player on the tour.
“These changes will enhance the status of the Cazoo UK Championship as one of the outstanding events on our calendar.”
BET £5 AND GET £20 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU REGISTER HERE (18+ | T&Cs APPLY)