BEIJING - Twelve of the world's top 16 snooker players will gather in Hainan next weekend for the China Life-Xingpai Hainan Classic, organizers announced on Monday.

The tournament will take place in the township of Boao on Hainan Island - a famous spot known for its golden beach, blue sea and tropical climate. It has also hosted the Miss World competition five of the past seven years.

Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry of Scotland, now the world 14, world No 2 and current Crucible king Neil Robertson of Australia, UK champion and world No 1 John Higgins and China's snooker sensation, world No 4 and the winner of this year's Masters, Ding Junhui, will travel to Hainan for the March 10-13 event.