Eighteen players from England, Belgium, Sweden, Czech Republic and Malta will be taking part in the seventh European Under-17 Open that starts today in Buġibba.

The event, which comes to a close on January 13, will be played at the Apple Snooker Hall while all players and officials will reside at the San Antonio Hotel during the competition.

There will be five players from England, two of whom, Nico Elton and Louis Heathcote, have already figured in World Snooker Association tournaments.

The Czech Republic will be represented for the first time by one player while Belgium will field seven contenders.

The Swedish federation have chosen their three strongest junior players and Malta will also have two of the most prominent youngsters in the game – Chris Peplow and Brian Cini.

Matches are played daily from 9.30am to 6pm. Entrance is free.

The total prize money for the tournament is €750 with the winner getting €400. The tournament is being sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority, San Antonio Hotel, Apple Snooker Club and Hartlepool Snooker Academy.

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