PORTUGAL will host its first ever professional snooker tournament next month, it has been announced.

The country’s capital city Lisbon will stage this season’s fifth European Tour event from Thursday December 11 to Sunday, December 14.

The minor-ranking tournament will be known as the Lisbon Open and will be broadcast live on Eurosport.

The city’s huge global tourist base is one of the main reasons behind the move.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We have taken snooker into many brand new territories in recent years and now we are delighted to bring a professional event to Portugal, which will be the 11th different country to host a European Tour event.

“We know there is a lot of support in the country and we are thrilled to be working with the promoter to bring the dream to reality.

“Taking our sport into new regions is an integral part of the European Tour’s success, and the fantastic television coverage from Eurosport ensures that our partners receive excellent exposure.

“For the players, visiting Lisbon for the first time is going to be a wonderful experience. But there will be plenty at stake on the tables with prize money and crucial Order of Merit points to play for.”