World Snooker is delighted to announce Dafabet as the new sponsor of the English Open, the first of the 2017-18 season Home Nations series.

The Dafabet English Open will run from October 16 to 22 at the Barnsley Metrodome with a star-studded field including all of the world’s top 16 players.

World Champion Mark Selby, defending champion Liang Wenbo, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Ding Junhui will be among the 131 players chasing the £70,000 top prize and Steve Davis Trophy. China’s Liang beat Trump 9-6 in the final last year.

The English Open will be followed by Home Nations events in Belfast, Glasgow and Cardiff, and any player winning all four will land an unprecedented £1 million bonus.

There’s also a bonus of £40,000 up for grabs for anyone who can make a maximum 147 break during the week in Barnsley.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dafabet on board for this highly prestigious world ranking event. Dafabet have shown tremendous support for snooker having sponsored a range of events including the Masters.

“The tournament will be televised live to many millions of people on Eurosport and Quest, bringing outstanding exposure for Dafabet’s brand.

“I’m pleased to see such a strong field heading to Barnsley, the standard is higher than ever and I’m fascinated to see how the week unfolds. The last man standing will be a quarter of the way towards the £1 million bonus.

“I hope to see packed crowds enjoying the chance to see the world’s very best cueists showing their skills.”

Dafabet’s Head of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship John Cruces said: “We’re very happy to be title sponsors for another tournament in the World Snooker calendar to complement our long standing Masters partnership. Year on year the following of the sport grows worldwide, which helps put our brand in front of millions of sports fans across the globe. We wish all the players the best of luck and wait to see if someone can do the clean sweep of the Home Nation events and win the million pound bonus.”