SNOOKER great Ronnie O’Sullivan will rocket into Barrow this autumn to dazzle the public with his cue-playing genius.

The five-times World Champion will show off his skills on the green baize at Hawcoat Park in September.

O’Sullivan, who this month won his sixth Masters title in London after an eight-month hiatus from the game, will take on talented South Cumbrian players over eight frames.

The Rocket has been brought to town by promoter Glenn Higgins, who is working with Hawcoat Park to promote the facility beyond its usage by the football, rugby, bowls and other sporting teams it is home to.

Higgins has previously brought darts world champions Phil Taylor and Dennis Priestley to the area, among others, and sees landing O’Sullivan as a huge boost both for Barrow and the Hawcoat Park club.

“It’s great for Hawcoat Park, as we set about putting the club on the map and getting more people through the door,” he said.

“We’ve signed the lease over from BAE Systems and now it is about serious fundraising and keeping the doors open – also making people aware that the doors are open to the public and not just the select few.

“Getting Ronnie is one of the ways to do that. He is the biggest name in snooker and I would say the greatest player of all time. It’s a big coup to get him.”

O’Sullivan – who will be supported on his Barrow trip by BBC commentator and former snooker professional John Virgo – will battle of number of local players at Hawcoat.

The September 9 event is being seen as a corporate night, with tables of 10 going for £800 and including the chance to put someone forward to play the Rocket.

“People will be pleased to know he is coming to play snooker,” added Higgins.

“I know a lot of times there are good names up here, but they only come to do speaking roles and they don’t get to see them perform the art they are effectively famous for.

“I think it’s quite important you do see that, so he will be playing eight frames against members of the public who are there on the night from the corporate guests.

“By the sounds of it, he is going to be facing some good competition from some very good local players.

“I know it is good money to pay for an event round here, but it is going to be a fantastic night.”

As well as O’Sullivan playing those frames on the green baize, Virgo will host the evening, provide commentary and perform some of the trick shots he is famous for.

“John should provide a nice complement to Ronnie’s snooker by providing the laughs on the night,” Higgins added.

For more information about the evening, contact Glenn Higgins 07449 000141 or email flightfirstevents@live.co.uk