The National Basketball arena in Tallaght is to stage the Irish Snooker Open next month with £50,000 for the winner.

The tournament begins on Tuesday, December 15th, with the final taking place the following Sunday.

Jimmy White will be among the competitors while former world number two, Tony Knowles, from Bolton, will be hoping to revive a flagging career.

It is not yet sure whether Ronnie O'Sullivan, who recently withdrew from the UK championships due to exhaustion, will be available. Ticket inquiries to the National Arena at 459 0211.