The event dates back to 1927 when Joe Davis beat Tom Dennis in the final. He had bought the famous trophy with half of the entry funds, leaving him with the sum of £6 and 10s...a far cry from today's top prize of £250,000.

Since 1977, the tournament has been held at the renowned Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, which has established itself as the home of the event and will continue to stage it until at least 2015.

Lasting 17 days, it's one of the longest events in sport. The drama and tension build to a thrilling climax with the best-of-35 frame final.

Top 16 seeded players to be announced upon completion of the 2012 Welsh Open which finshes on Monday 20th February 2012 , the format of play will be announced shortly after this date.

The Bottom half of the draw will be made available on 15th April 2012 - for the latest information visit  www.worldsnooker.com

A summary of the prices and times can be seen below:-

First & Second round games
Saturday 21st April  - 10am,  2.30pm & 7pm all tickets £20
Sunday 22nd April - 10am,  2.30pm & 7pm all tickets £20
Monday 23rd April  - 10am,  2.30pm & 7pm all tickets £20
Tuesday 24th April - 10am,  2.30pm & 7pm all tickets £20
Wednesday 25th April - 10am,  2.30pm & 7pm all tickets £20
Thursday 26th April - 1pm £15, 7pm £20
Friday 27th April - 10am £15, 2.30pm & 7pm £20
Saturday 28th April - 10am,  2.30pm & 7pm all tickets £20
Sunday 29th April - 10am,  2.30pm & 7pm all tickets £20
Monday 30th April - 1pm £15 & 7pm £20

Quarter Finals
Tuesday 1st May - 10am &  2.30pm £25,  7pm £30
Wednesday 2nd May - 10am & 2.30pm £25, 7pm £30

Semi Finals 
Thursday 3rd  May - 1pm Semi-Final 1, 7pm Semi-Final 2 all tickets £35
Friday 4th May - 10am Semi-Final 1 £30, 2.30pm Semi-Final 2 £35, 7pm Semi-Final 1 £35
Saturday 5th May - 10am Semi-Final 2 £30,  2.30pm Semi-Final 1 £35,  7pm Semi-Final 2 £35

Final
Sunday 6th May - 2pm & 7pm All tickets £50
Monday 7th May - 2pm £50 & 7pm £65

Round 1 games - this is the best of  19 frames (9 frames & 10 frames)
Round 2 games - this is the best of 25 frames (8 frames, 8 frames & 9 frames in the final session)
Quarter Final games - this is the best of 25 frames (8 fames, 8 frames & 9 frames in the final session)
Semi Final games - this is the best of 33 games (8 frames, 8 frames, 8 frames & 9 frames in the final session)
Final is the best of 35 frames (8 frames, 8 frames, 8 frames & 11 frames in the final session)

Tickets for Betfred.com World Snooker Championship at Crucible Theatre - Sheffield are available online at www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk, through the Box Office on 0114 2 789 789 or in person at the Sheffield City Hall Box Office.