LONDON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- World champion Mark Selby, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, John Higgins and defending champion Shaun Murphy are among the snooker stars who have already confirmed their participation in next month's World Grand Prix to be held in Preston, northwest England.

The world ranking event will take place at the Guild Hall for the first time, from February 6 to 12. It will feature 32 players from a one-year running ranking list which has been compounded throughout the season.

There is still one counting event to go. The German Masters - which runs from February 1 to 5 - after which the final lineup will be confirmed.