The city of Derby is alive with anticipation as the 2025 JenningsBet British Seniors Snooker Open unfolds at Vaillant Live, marking a historic return of top-flight senior snooker to the city for the first time since 1993. From December 26 to December 28, fans are treated to a showcase of legendary cueists, each vying for the prestigious title in a tournament brimming with nostalgia, skill, and fierce competition.
This inaugural British Seniors Open, broadcast live on Channel 5 and streamed for free on My5, has drawn some of the most celebrated names in the sport. The tournament features eight elite players: former world champions Ken Doherty and Stuart Bingham, four-time World Seniors champion Jimmy White, recent Shoot Out winner Alfie Burden, former UK and Masters champion Matthew Stevens, ranking event winners Joe Perry and Anthony Hamilton, and two-time ranking finalist Dominic Dale. The blend of past champions and recent form players has ignited excitement among snooker enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
The action commenced on Boxing Day, December 26, with the quarter-finals split across two sessions. In the afternoon, Joe Perry delivered a clinical performance to dispatch Stuart Bingham 4-0, setting the tone for his campaign. Jimmy White, a household name and perennial crowd favorite, overcame Ken Doherty 4-2 in a clash that pitted two seasoned veterans against one another. The evening session saw Matthew Stevens edge out Anthony Hamilton in a tightly contested 4-3 battle, while Alfie Burden produced a dominant 4-0 victory over Dominic Dale, showcasing the sharpness that earned him the recent Shoot Out crown.
With the quarter-finals wrapped up, attention shifted to the semi-finals on December 27. Joe Perry faced Matthew Stevens in the early session, and in a match brimming with tactical exchanges and high breaks, Perry emerged victorious by a 5-3 margin. Stevens, known for his calm under pressure, pushed Perry to the limit, but the latter’s consistency proved decisive. The afternoon’s second semi-final featured Alfie Burden against Jimmy White. Burden, riding high on confidence, took an early lead, but White’s resilience and experience shone through as he clawed back to secure a 5-3 win. White’s triumph set up a tantalizing final showdown with Perry, promising a battle between two players at the peak of their senior careers.
The tournament’s format has added drama and unpredictability to each encounter. Quarter-final matches are played as best of 7 frames, semi-finals as best of 9, and the grand final as a best of 13. A unique twist lies in the use of a respotted black to decide any match that reaches a final-frame deadlock, ensuring that every point counts and nerves are tested to the fullest. Sessions begin at 13:00 and 19:00, offering fans a full day’s entertainment and an electric atmosphere in the vaunted Derby venue.
Fans lucky enough to secure tickets—still available in limited numbers—have been treated to a festival of snooker, with the Vaillant Live arena pulsating with energy. The event’s significance hasn’t been lost on the players or the city itself. Derby hasn’t hosted a senior major since 1993, and the return has rekindled memories of classic encounters and local snooker heritage. The tournament’s presence has also sparked renewed interest in the sport among the region’s younger generation, a legacy that could extend well beyond the current competition.
As the final approaches, the spotlight falls squarely on Joe Perry and Jimmy White. Perry’s route to the final has been characterized by efficiency and precision. He dismantled Bingham in the quarters without dropping a frame and overcame a spirited challenge from Stevens in the semis. White, meanwhile, has played with the flair and determination that made him a household name, navigating a tricky draw that included victories over Doherty and Burden. Both men bring a wealth of experience and a burning desire to add the British Seniors Open title to their storied resumes.
“I’ve been working hard on my game and it’s great to see it pay off in this new event,” Perry said after his semi-final win, according to SunSport. “The atmosphere in Derby is fantastic, and I’m looking forward to a great final.” White, never one to shy away from the big occasion, remarked, “It’s always special to play in front of such passionate fans. Every match has been a battle, and I’m ready to give it everything in the final.” Their comments capture the spirit of the event—respect for the game, appreciation for the fans, and a relentless competitive drive.
Beyond the main draw, the British Seniors Open has generated buzz for its accessibility and reach. With all matches broadcast live on Channel 5 and available for free streaming via My5, the tournament has opened its doors to a wider audience. Frame-by-frame coverage on SunSport’s live blog has kept fans updated with every twist and turn, ensuring no moment goes unnoticed. The event’s organizers have also been lauded for their commitment to fan engagement and the seamless execution of the schedule, with sessions running smoothly and the venue providing an intimate yet electric backdrop for world-class snooker.
The inclusion of a respotted black to decide final-frame deciders has already delivered heart-stopping drama. While no match in this edition has yet required it, the mere possibility has kept players and spectators alike on the edge of their seats. It’s a nod to snooker’s tradition of high-stakes moments and a reminder that, at this level, every shot can be decisive.
As the 2025 JenningsBet British Seniors Snooker Open heads into its final day, anticipation is at fever pitch. Joe Perry and Jimmy White are set to contest the title on December 28 at 1pm GMT, with the snooker world watching closely. Will Perry’s methodical approach see him through, or will White’s experience and flair carry the day? One thing’s for sure—the city of Derby has embraced its snooker renaissance, and fans are in for a thrilling finale that will be talked about for years to come.
With legends at the table, a city steeped in history, and a title on the line, the British Seniors Open has already cemented itself as a highlight of the snooker calendar. As the final balls are potted and the last cheers ring out in Vaillant Live, Derby’s long wait for world-class snooker has been rewarded in spectacular fashion.
