Ally Pally to host snooker Masters until 2015 (From Haringey Independent)

Ally Pally to host snooker Masters until 2015

5:45pm Wednesday 16th May 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

Alexandra Palace is “proud” to host the snooker Masters for the next three years following last year’s success.

Record ticket sales from last year’s tournament meant a new deal was struck between the palace and World Snooker, a governing body responsible for the commercial side of the game.

The Masters, which sees the world’s top 16 snooker players fight for £150,000 in prize money will remain at the palace until at least 2015.

The tournament had been held at Wembley Arena since 2007.

Neil Robertson, who won the Masters this year, said the atmosphere at the Masters was “buzzing” when all 1,500 seats were full.

He said: “I think all of the top players are delighted that the Masters has moved to Ally Pally.

“It was the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in apart from the world final.

“I can’t wait to get back there and have a crack at defending the title and I hope to see the arena packed out again.”

Nnext year's event runs from January 13 to 20.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Alexandra Palace, said: “We are very proud that Alexandra Palace will host the Masters for the next three years.

"We look forward to hosting and working with the players and the World Snooker team, to create the best atmosphere for the tournament.”