In 2011 the Williamhill.com UK Championship was held at York Barbican for the first time since 2006 and proved a resounding success. A new deal between World Snooker and SMG Europe now means that the £625,000 tournament will be held there until at least 2013.

Next season’s event will run 1-9 December.

Said last year’s winner Judd Trump: “I’m really pleased that the UK Championship is going back to York. I thought the atmosphere there last year was amazing and it helped inspire me to win the title. There are a lot of snooker fans in and around York and I’m sure they’ll be back this year to support the best players.”

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn added: “Our decision to take the UK Championship back to York last season was inspired. There is a huge amount of enthusiasm for snooker in York and the surrounding area and the top players love the Barbican. We’re delighted to sign this deal for the next two years and are looking forward to December.”

 James Allen of SMG Europe, which manages and operates the venue, said: “After an absence of five years from the city, the support shown by the people of York has been nothing short of exceptional, as witnessed by last year’s record-breaking ticket sales.”

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