SNOOKER star John Higgins has headed an advance party to York.

The city is to be invaded by snooker stars next month and Higgins will be among them as he defends his UK Championship title at the Barbican Leisure Centre.

The 26-year-old former world champion found himself rigged out as a Viking at the Jorvik Viking Centre during his day in York and he rounded off his visit by switching on the Christmas lights in Parliament Street last night.

Jimmy White was due to have been here yesterday too, but was laid low by food poisoning and unable to travel north.

High on the young Scot's priorities before he flies out to Malta will be catching up on practice as all his time recently has been taken up by his six weeks old son Pierce.

"I haven't lifted a cue for weeks," he said. "I have been trying to get to know my son. But I will be getting down to some practice before the European Open."

The world No 2, from Wishaw, is looking forward to playing in York as a new venue on the major tournament circuit.

"It's exciting for all of us, coming to a new place. While we enjoy going to the regular arenas, coming to somewhere we have never played before is really good. The players are looking forward to it."

Higgins, who will be trying to win the UK title for the third time in fours year, makes his debut at the Barbican Leisure Centre at 7.45pm on Sunday, December 9, with a second round match against Chris Small or Roberts Milkins.

The championship starts on December 3 and the final is on December 16. BBC will be televising the event from December 8. There will be 48 of the world's top players in action at the outset.

Tickets for the final sold out a few days after they went on sale and the demand for tickets for other days continues to be high.

There are no tickets left for the afternoon session on December 8, though there are some left for the evening session on that day. There are only a few tickets remaining for the semi-finals (December 14 and 15). Tickets for all other sessions are still available, with prices starting from £3.

Ring Barbican Leisure Centre box office on 01904 656688.

Updated: 11:30 Friday, November 16, 2001