Bradford professional Simon Bedford is on course to regain his place on the main tour next season.

With two of the four Challenge Tour events played this campaign, the 25-year-old left-hander from Fairweather Green is equal fifth in the standings with 2,650 points.

Another contender is Leeds' Malcolm Bilclough. The 22-year-old is 11th with 2,100 points, but only the top eight will gain a place among the sport's elite 128 next season.

Huddersfield's Kuldesh Johal is equal 30th on 1300 points, which puts him ahead of former top-16 players Tony Knowles and Willie Thorne, who are equal 38th.

Halifax's John Gallagher, who recently turned professional, is equal 65th with 900 points, Rawdon's Paul Cavney is equal 120th with 400 points, along with Esholt's Anthony Massey.

In the third Challenge Tour event at the Manhattan Snooker Club in Harrogate on January 7-13, Bilclough meets Welshman Gareth Coppack in the first round on the second day.

Bedford is exempt to the third round, and plays on Wednesday, January 9.

In the Embassy World Championship qualifiers, also at Harrogate on January 14-21, Bedford and Bilclough are both in action on January 17 in the second qualifying round.

Bedford faces Avtar Sohanpal, Bilclough meeting Justin Smalley, both over the best-of-nine frames.

Bradford's Wayne Cooper faces a qualifier from Harrogate over the best-of-19 frames at the Telford International Centre on Monday, February 11. Club-house In Cue Gardens member Craig Butler also meets a qualifier during the same session.

Joe Johnson, winner in 1985 and runner-up in 1986, plays Ricky Walden the following day in the second qualifying round.

Cuedos' Jason Prince has a derby against Keighley's Chris Melling in the same session.

Peter Lines (Leeds) is exempt until round four on Friday, February 15, while Bradford's James Wattana does not come into the action until round six - the final qualifying round - at the Newport Centre on Saturday, March 16.