Sports Listings: Plan Ahead / Snooker: Benson and Hedges Masters

A challenge was laid down by the sponsors last season. If Stephen Hendry, the world No 1, won his fifth consecutive Benson and Hedges Masters snooker title, he would be allowed to keep the antique trophy. Hendry duly complied and for this season's Masters, from 6 to 13 February at the Wembley Conference Centre, the sponsors will present the winner with a new trophy dating from the 18th century.

The most important invitation tournament on the circuit features the top 16 players in the world, ranked after the World Championship last May plus two wild card entrants. Wild cards were introduced four years ago to include players outside the leading 16, but in top form. Ronnie O'Sullivan, already provisionally ninth in the rankings for next season and of late an opponent of Hendry, qualified for the Masters by winning the Benson and Hedges Tournament in Glasgow last month and the other card went to Peter Ebdon for his continuing good form and victory in the Skoda Grand Prix at Reading in October.

Personal application for tickets can be made to the Wembley Box Office, which is open from 9.30am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday or from the Virgin Megastore in London's West End, open 9.30am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from noon to 7pm on Sunday.

Benson and Hedges Masters, 6-13 February, Wembley Conference and Exhibition Centre.

Admission prices: Sunday, 6 February to Wednesday, 9 February (First and second rounds): 10am and 2.30pm sessions pounds 5.50; 7 or 7.30pm pounds 6.50. Thursday and Friday, 10 and 11 February (Quarter- finals): 2pm pounds 7.50, pounds 6; 7pm pounds 8.50, pounds 7. Saturday, 12 February (Semi-finals): 1pm pounds 12, pounds 10.50; 7pm pounds 13, pounds 11.50. Sunday, 13 February (Final): 2pm (seven frames) pounds 15, pounds 12; 7.30pm (10 frames) pounds 16, pounds 13.

Postal bookings (administration fee of 75p per ticket): Benson and Hedges Masters Snooker Tournament Box Office, Wembley Stadium Limited, Wembley HA9 0DW. Credit card bookings: 081-900 1234 (75p administration charge per ticket). Virgin Megastore, 14- 16 Oxford Street, London W1 (opposite Tottenham Court Road tube station).

Private viewing boxes: 071-243 0064. Banqueting Department (for Wembley restaurant): 081-902 8833 Ext 2273.