Reigning snooker world champion John Higgins will be looking to add his name to an illustrious list of snooker players to have clinched the world title more than three times in the modern era when he returns to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in April.

Last year’s win put the Scotsman in trio of players to have won the championships on three occasions, the other two being Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Spencer.

Only Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and Ray Reardon have won more than three titles in the modern era, which began in 1969 when the World Championship became a knock-out event.

But Higgins will have to fight off stiff competition to defend his title, primarily from world number one Ronnie O’Sullivan who is in scintillating form this season. Also out for revenge will be last year’s beaten finalist Shaun Murphy, as well as world number two Stephen Maguire and the pick of the sport’s finest players.

The Betfred.com World Snooker Championships return to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 17 April to 3 May.

Tickets are available to purchase online from the Arena Ticket Shop, or for telephone bookings call 0114 2789789. Tickets go on sale on Saturday 20th February at 9.30am