IT all sounds most dubious to non-aficionados. At York Barbican Centre, balls are being kissed, the best pot earns a round of applause and a screwback is considered essential for positioning.

Snooker fans, however, know that this is just good, clean fun. And we may all be snooker fans by the time the fortnight is out.

Playing host to the UK Snooker Championships should be great fun. This exciting event will bring in thousands of visitors and raise the city's profile worldwide. What a break for York.

Updated: 10:47 Monday, December 03, 2001