THE British Open returns TODAY with some of snooker’s biggest stars in action.
The iconic tournament uses a flat draw which sees all players, regardless of their world ranking, begin in the opening round.
It also applies an ‘FA Cup-style’ draw for each stage, meaning there is no ranking protection – and anyone can draw anyone.
Many round one matches of this year’s British Open have already taken place in Leicester – but all the top 16 seeds and others – have had their tournament openers saved for the main venue in Cheltenham and the TV cameras.
Defending champion Mark Williams will be looking to retain the Clive Everton Trophy after his epic 10-7 triumph over Mark Selby last year.
However, snooker fans have been left devastated as legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has now withdrawn from the tournament.
When is the British Open 2024?
The British Open began on July 31st – with some stars playing their round-one matches early at Leicester’s Morningside Arena (results below).
First-round ties involving the top 16 in the world and others will begin on Monday, September 23, at the Centaur Arena in Cheltenham.
The tournament will conclude on Sunday, September 29.
How to watch the British Open 2024
The British Open will be broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK.
You can live stream the event via the ITVX app/website.
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
What is the British Open 2024 format?
- Rounds 1 to 4: All matches are the best of 7 frames
- Quarter-finals: Best of 9 frames (with mid-session interval)
- Semi-finals: Best of 11 frames (with mid-session interval)
- Final: Best of 19 frames – two sessions with scheduled mid-session intervals
British Open 2024 schedule and results
*Subject to change
Monday, September 23
Round one
From 1pm
- Mark Williams 1-4 Rory Thor
- Gong Chenzhi 4-3 Tom Ford
- Gary Wilson 3-4 Mark Allen
- Ding Junhui 3-4 Aaron Hill
From 3pm
- Luca Brecel 4-1 Mohamed Shebab
- Ryan Day 4-1 Louis Heathcote
- Robert Milkins 1-4 Judd Trump
- Ross Muir 1-4 John Higgins
From 7pm
- Barry Hawkins v Liam Davies
- Lewis Ullah v Manasawin Phetmalaikul
- Bulcsu Revesz v Ali Carter
- Shaun Murphy v Ian Burns
From 8pm
- Pang Junxu v Mark Selby
- Jordan Brown v Zhang Anda
- Sanderson Lam v Jak Jones
- Kyren Wilson v Julien Leclercq
Tuesday, September 24
From 10am
Schedule TBC
Wednesday, September 25
From 10am
Schedule TBC
Thursday, September 26
From 1pm
Schedule TBC
Friday, September 27
From 1pm
Schedule TBC
Saturday, September 28
From 1pm
Schedule TBC
Sunday, September 29
From 1pm
Schedule TBC
Who has won the British Open?
Here is a list of all the previous British Open winners:
2023 Mark Williams
2022 Ryan Day
2021 Mark Williams
2004 John Higgins
2003 Stephen Hendry
2002 Paul Hunter
2001 John Higgins
2000 Peter Ebdon
1999 Stephen Hendry
1999 Fergal O’Brien
1998 John Higgins
1997 Mark Williams
1996 Nigel Bond
1995 John Higgins
1994 Ronnie O’Sullivan
1993 Steve Davis
1992 Jimmy White
1991 Stephen Hendry
1990 Bob Chaperon
1989 Tony Meo
1988 Stephen Hendry
1987 Jimmy White
1986 Steve Davis
1985 Silvino Francisco