WORLD Snooker has announced next month’s PTC Grand Finals has been moved to Preston’s Guild Hall – the former host venue of the UK Championship and Grand Prix.

The week-long tournament was originally scheduled to take place in Bangkok in Thailand but political unrest in the country led to the sport’s governing body switching the venue to the UK.

The tournament, which will feature several of the world’s top stars, will take place between March 25 and 29 and marks the end of the European and Asian Tour events of the season.

Preston’s Guild Hall hosted the UK Championship for many years between 1978 and 1997 and hosted the then Grand Prix in 1998, 1999 and between 2001 to 2005.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to bring a world class snooker tournament to Preston for the first time since 2005. The Guild Hall is a superb venue and we know that the Lancashire area is a hot-bed for snooker.

“This announcement is fantastic news for the fans in the area, who now have a chance to see the top stars competing for a major title.

“Tickets will sell quickly so anyone who wants to experience the action live should get their seats booked immediately.”

Tickets are available by calling the Guild Hall box office on 0844 844 7710 between 10am-5.30pm or online at www.prestonguildhall.com.

To see which players made it to the Grand Finals from this season’s Europea Tour events, click here.