Following huge demand for tickets for snooker’s BetVictor Welsh Open in Cardiff, the final of the world ranking event has sold out.

The tournament at the Motorpoint Arena runs from February 16 to 22 and is being staged in the Welsh capital for the first time since 2004. Fans have grasped the chance to see the world’s leading players in action.

Ronnie O’Sullivan will be defending the title having beaten Ding Junhui 9-3 in last year’s final with an incredible 147 break in the last frame.

All 128 players will start in the first round, and with 11 tables in the arena it’s a fantastic chance to see a host of top stars on the same day. Alongside O’Sullivan and Ding, players chasing the title will include Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy, Jimmy White and John Higgins.

Tickets for all sessions are selling fast so fans are strongly urged to BOOK FAST or risk missing the opportunity to see the leading cue kings. For details call 02920 22 44 88 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Former World Champion Shaun Murphy said: “It will be the first time I have played in Cardiff and I’m really looking forward to playing in the city for the first time. South Wales has always been a hotbed for snooker and it’s great to hear that tickets are selling fast again this year. The Welsh Open is growing as an event and I just hope I’m there until the end this time.”