The Jojobet.com Gibraltar snooker open gets underway today and is the last chance for players to qualify for the Players Championship next week in Llandudno.
This is a crucial time in the snooker season as players are fighting for a top 16 place. With the World Championship just around the corner, a win at the Gibraltar snooker open could be the difference between 3 rounds qualifying round or automatic qualifying for the World Championship.
Although Ronnie O’Sullivan and a couple of other top players have opted out, Judd Trump, Neil Robertson and Mark Selby will be in attendance. One or two of the current top 16 players have struggled this season. Joe Perry must reach the final here in Gibraltar to get back into the top 16. Mark Williams must win the title to ensure his spot in the top 16. This also depends on how Ryan Day performs this week. If Day goes for further than the last 16, Perry must win the title and Williams can’t get into the top 16.
Anthony McGill is safely in the top 16 after winning the snooker shoot-out last weekend.
The Gibraltar Open is one of the most poorly attended events on the snooker calendar but yet so crucial for some players. Only four ranking events remain in this busy season. The top prize this week is £25,000 which is a bit modest but the tournament is open to amateurs too.
Play kicks off at 6pm and live coverage will follow from Friday on Eurosport. The event is also available to stream on the Eurosport Player.
