When is the Snooker World Championship 2017? Full draw, odds and prize money – all you need to know

THE 2017 World Snooker Championship is now underway, with fans enjoying an exciting fortnight.

After a riveting 2016 tournament, expect more fireworks for this year’s entry.

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The World Snooker Championship is one of the three ‘major’ annual tournaments along with the UK Championship and The Masters.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest sport and snooker news, gossip and rumours.

Check out all of the information ahead of one of the biggest tournament’s of the 2017 calendar…

When is the Snooker World Championship 2017 and where is it held?

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The eagerly-anticipated 2017 edition of the World Championships is being held between April 15 and May 1.

As always, the tournament takes place at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Mark Selby is the current defending champion after beating Ding Junhui in the 2016 final.

Which stars will be playing at the Snooker World Championship 2017?

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The world’s top-16 automatically qualify for the last-32- including world No1 Selby.

Otherwise players will need to work their way through qualifying and the early stages.

128 players will have the chance to qualify, including players outside the top-16 and even the top 16 amateurs in the world, with just 16 players overall making the main draw.

What’s the prize money like for players?

This year's total prize pot is the biggest ever, at a whopping £1.9million, up from £1.5m last year.

The winner will take home £375,000 for their troubles,

Meanwhile, things such as highest break of the tournament will earn one star up to £10,000.

Even losing in the first round will earn you £8,000 this year.