TWO Widnes hot shots are among 206 contenders bidding to become the 1999 Benson and Hedges Snooker Champion.

Local lads Andrew Higginson and Darren Limburg will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Alan McManus, Ken Doherty, Mark Williams and Ronnie O'Sullivan who all turned pro after success in this competition.

The winner receives £5,000 and a wild card invitation to the B&H Masters where the reward is a first round match against snooker legend Steve Davis.

The tournament is not open to the top 16 in the world rankings although the likes of Nigel Bond, James Wattana and Tony Drago will be competing.

The Championship starts on October 30 at the Willie Thorn Snooker Club, Malvern Link. Admission is free and tickets may be reserved by calling 01684-892147.

Andrew Higginson takes to the table on November 1 against the winner of the match between Mark Colmer and Nick Spelman. Darren Limburg will play on November 2 against Damien Massey.

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