New dress code for top players at British Open

Snooker's top players are trying out a brand new dress code at the British Open which started yesterday in Telford.

The highest ranked player in each match will wear a red shirt and his opponent will wear blue.

The new code will help to provide a unique identity to the British Open.

The second ranking event of the season is being played at the International Centre for the first time. The final is scheduled for today week. The red and blue colouring will be incorporated into television scoring to make it easier than ever to identify which player is at the table and which is ranked higher.

One spokesman said: "We are very excited at this year's British Open becoming the first tournament to use this dress code.

"The public immediately recognises events such as the World Championship and the Benson and Hedges Masters, and we believe that these changes will help the British Open to stand out."

Telford last hosted a ranking event in 2000 when Mark Williams beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-6 in the final of the Grand Prix.

Defending British Open champion is John Higgins, who beat fellow Scot Graeme Dott 9-6 in last year's final. This completed an unprecedented hat-trick for the Wizard of Wishaw as he became the first player to win the opening three tournaments of the season.

"Winning three titles in a row is great, fantastic. I think Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry have broken every other record in the game so it's nice to get one they haven't got," said Higgins.

Tony Drago plays against Ricky Walden in the first round this afternoon. If he wins this match the Malta professional will be facing world champion Peter Ebdon in the next round on Wednesday.

This year's British Open winner collects £92,000.