This week’s BetVictor Gibraltar Open world ranking event will have a limit of 100 fans in the arena, as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.

There has been only one confirmed case of coronavirus in Gibraltar so far, a patient who has now received the all-clear. There are currently no restrictions on travel to and from the UK. The Gibraltar Government has placed a limit of 100 people on public events.

Fans who have come from or recently visited an at-risk country (following government advice) have a legal duty to report to authorities on arrival.

The tournament at the Europa Sports Complex starts on Wednesday and Thursday with the amateur rounds, with the professional stages to run from Friday to Sunday.

Judd Trump, Neil Robertson John Higgins, Mark Selby, Mark Williams and defending champion Stuart Bingham are among the top stars in the line-up. The event has a top prize of £50,000, while Trump and Robertson will be battling for the £150,000 bonus which goes to the player who earns the most money across the BetVictor European Series.

WST Chairman Barry Hearn said: “Every sport and every business is closely monitoring the effects of the spread of coronavirus, and listening to government advice. Of course the health of our players, staff and fans is paramount and we will take every sensible precaution.

“I have had discussions with the Minister of Sport in Gibraltar. We have no doubt that this week’s event should go ahead, with a limit of 100 fans. It is a fantastic event for the television audience around the world, while the players always enjoy the trip to Gibraltar and there is very significant prize money on offer.

“In the coming weeks we will continue to observe the situation in regard to all of our events, listen to government advice and make appropriate decisions taking all factors into account.”

The same limit of 100 fans will apply to the World Pool Masters event to run at the same venue from March 26-29.