THE Benson & Hedges Snooker Championship gets under way at the Willie Thorne Club in Malvern Link, Worcestershire, on Sunday and five local players are taking part.

Erith's Paul Sweeny joins the event at the third-round stage when he will take on the winner of the second round match between Finland's Robin Hull and Scotland's Rory McLeod.

The remaining quartet all start at the second-round stage.

Greenwich's Anton Bishop faces Ian Brumby and, if successful, will then meet Paul Davies in round three.

David McDonnell, from Blackheath, begins his quest for glory against Jack Fitzmaurice. Sydenham, meanwhile, will be doubly-represented by Barry Hawkins and Mehmet Husnu.

A third-round tie against Mark King awaits Hawkins is he defeats Dylan Leary, while Husnu will play Andrew Millard. If successful, he will then come up against Robert Milkins.