John’s eager to get back to Guild Hall

The tournament – which takes place on the weekend of January 30 and 31 – will bring together famous faces from the past three decades, as well as current players aged 40 and over.

Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, Joe Johnson, defending champion Mark Williams and 1991 World champion Parrott will be among the 16-man field at the Sky Sports-televised event.

And a return to the Guild Hall will bring back poignant memories for Liverpool’s 51-year-old Parrott.

“The first tournament I ever went to with my dad was the UK Championship at the Guild Hall,” he said.

“And 14 years later I won the tournament, which was very special for me because I looked up and saw my dad applauding, sitting in virtually the same seat.

“Sadly he’s no longer with us but I’ll always remember the Guild Hall for that and I’ll always see his face there.

“I’m delighted that the World Seniors tournament will be staged in Preston for the first time because it has always been a hotbed for snooker.”

Parrott got to the semi-finals of the World Seniors last season in Blackpool, before losing to eventual champion Williams.

And he is looking forward to getting back on the baize in the new year.

“It’s a fantastic event, I loved it last year and it was great to see everyone again,” he said. “I played pretty well and just missed out on the final.

“Obviously I don’t play anything like I used to, but my concentration levels are still just about good enough for best-of-three-frame matches.

“It’s great fun just to be involved and to see all the old faces. Looking at the list of entries there are some seriously good players there.

“I’ve got no aspirations to even dream of winning it, there are that many good players in it. It’s just nice to get the cue out for competition.

“I still practise a little bit now and then, and while there’s no way I could go back to playing six or seven hours a day like I used to, I still love the game.”

Tickets start at £10 and fans are advised to book quickly to see this celebration of snooker, as seats are selling rapidly.

For details call 01772 804444 or visit www.worldsnooker.com.tickets.