Bendigo hosts 2014 Australian Goldfields Open

THE 2014 Australian Goldfields Open returns to Bendigo for the fourth straight year. This year’s competition was a triumph for organisers when doubts were cast over its future after the last tournament. Kai Wong has the info.

Fans of snooker will be glad to know that a world-class tournament will soon be returning to Australia. Organisers of the 2014 Australian Goldfields Open  have managed to secure the rights to hold the tournament for another two years into 2015.

The competition will be played from June 30 to July 6 in Bendigo, which has acted as host city for the last three years.

The tournament will consist of the top 16 world ranked players pitted against each other, plus 16 qualifiers.

This year, the total prize money will rise to half a million dollars, making the Australian Snooker Goldfields Open the most valuable World Snooker Ltd (WSL) event in the region, outside of China.

The lowest two qualifiers play off for two Australian Wild Card entrants.

“The Victorian Government is proud to continue its support of the Australian Snooker Goldfields Open as the event provides significant broadcast exposure showcasing the region across 60 countries including China and the United Kingdom,” said Louise Asher, who is the Victorian Government’s Minister for Tourism and Major Events.

Information on ticket prices can be at the Australian Goldfields Open’s website. Tickets are currently available and can be booked from Bendigo Stadium’s website.