The 2008 Telegraph & Argus Snooker Classic at The Richard Dunn Sports Centre has now been confirmed for Saturday, February 23, with two former world champions in the form of John Parrott and Mark Williams competing against each other.

The event has already been widely advertised, with tickets selling fast, and this year's event promises to be an extra-special one for two individuals.

It has been standard practice for many years for one of the professional players to play a single frame against a member of the general public in front of the sell-out audience - this person having won a knock-out snooker tournament to earn the right to exhibit their own talent.

However, both Parrott and Williams have agreed to play a frame apiece against local amateur players, so there will be the opportunity for two players to win a fantastic night with their heroes.

To determine the two players, a one-day tournament will be held by the Bradford & District Billiards & Snooker Association.

This event will be on Sunday, January 27, with the venue yet to be finalised, but likely to be at Cue Gardens, Odsal.

As this tournament is to be run in conjunction with the Telegraph and Argus, entry will be free.

Players must register on the day, will play the best of three frames off level and only those aged 18 or over are eligible to enter.

The two players who make the final will have the reward of playing a frame against either Parrott or Williams, with the overall winner having the choice of which professional they want to play.

As well as playing in the main arena, the two players will have their photographs taken with the professionals and gain entry to the players bar for drinks after the event.

This is a fantastic opportunity for local snooker players and a good turn-out is expected for the one-day tournament.

More details will appear in the usual Thursday snooker column each week prior to the event to keep everyone up to date.

  • Bradford's Gareth Green has progressed to the last 16 of the English Under-19's Championship, after qualifying in the regional heats at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds earlier this month.

Green defeated Carl Mottershaw 4-0 in his first match, followed by a 4-1 victory against Thomas Brown.

Green, who practices at Cuedos Snooker Centre, must now wait until Saturday, May 3 for the next round, where he is also joined by eight international players. The draw will be made on the day.