YORK will host snooker's star-studded UK Championship two weeks earlier this year.

For the past two years the event at the Barbican Centre has been staged during the first two weeks in December, but this time the event will run from November 18-30.

The decision to re-schedule the championship, the second most prestigious tournament in snooker's calendar, was made in partnership between World Snnoker and the BBC.

The second week of the championship is given widespread coverage by the BBC and they said rescheduling the tournament this year gives them the opportunity to continue to provide their extensive service. This year BBC will be televising from the Barbican from November 22 through to the final.

There is a new backer for the tournament. It was announced today that builders' merchants Travis Perkins have signed a three-year contract to sponsor UK Championship from this year. Last year electrical goods retailers Power House sponsored the championship on a one year basis.

Barbican Centre snooker director Richard Batterby said: "We are delighted to be welcoming the tournament back to York for a third year and are looking forward to attracting even bigger crowds."

Tickets are due to go on sale at the beginning of October, but you can join a snooker mailing list by phoning the Barbican box office on York (01904) 656688.

Updated: 11:38 Friday, July 11, 2003