Welsh Open 2012 Draw

Welsh Open 2012 sponsored by 888.com runs from 13-19 February, 2012 in Newport. John Higgins defended his title last year by beating Stephen Maguire 9-6. The Qualifiers will be played in Sheffield from 8-11 February, 2012. [Updated: 

Welsh Open 2012 Results/Draw, Live Streaming & Match/TV Schedule]

Qualifiers Match Schedule & Results:
http://www.worldsnooker.com/page/NewsArticles/0,,13165~2204254,00.html

John Higgins has yet to win a title this year after his fabulous season last year, aiming to break his trophy drought next week. He said, "I don't practise as hard as I used to when I was young. But that could change soon because I'm having a snooker room built at my house, Over the Christmas period I was sitting at home and it would have been a good time to have two or three hours a day of practice without having to go to the club. I ended up going into the Masters with only a few hours practice under my belt, which cost me." said Higgins, who beat Stephen Maguire in last year's final in Newport and Ali Carter in 2010.

The tournament will feature Ronnie O'Sullivan, who won German Masters last week and Judd Trump, as well as local favourites Mark Williams and Matthew Stevens.
Stephen Hendry, who made his tenth maximum break here last year will not be seeded this year as he has dropped out of top 16.

Last 32	Last 16	Quarter-Finals	Semi-Finals	Final
John Higgins v ?
Ding Junhui v ?
Stephen Lee v ?
Graeme Dott v ?
Shaun Murphy v ?
Ali Carter v ?
Mark Allen v ?
Neil Robertson v ?
Mark Williams v ?
Ronnie v O’Sullivan v ?
Stuart Bingham v ?
Judd Trump v ?
Stephen Maguire v ?
Matthew Stevens v ?
Martin Gould v ?
Mark Selby v ?

The Rocket needs a good run in the tournament despite winning the German Masters to get enough points, his ranking rises up to 15th temporarily but the point difference is narrow. He has get a tough draw as he may Marco Fu in the first round, who beaten him a few times and then Mark Williams for next. Judd Trump may play him for the third time in this season as Ronnie lost in all three meetings.

All matches up to and including Last 16 are best of 7 with no intervals while quarter-finals play best of 9. Semi-finals are best of 11 as usual and final consists of best of 17, first to 9 to win the title.

The two qualifiers matches that Welshmen Ryan Day and Dominic Dale will be held over and played at the main venue.