EUROPE’S best Mahjong players will descend on Farnham later this year with confirmation that the Maltings will the host the next European Riichi Mahjong Championships.

The event, taking place between October 7 and 9, 2016, is the fourth championship of its kind and is the most prestigious in the European tour schedule.

The championships have previously taken place in Germany and Austria, and this will be the first time it will be held in the UK.

During the three days of the competition, Farnham Maltings will welcome up to 120 professional players from across Europe, representing their countries to compete in the games.

Riichi Mahjong is the Japanese version of the Chinese game of Mahjong. It is played in groups of four, with 136 or 144 rectangular pieces called tiles. The main objective is to build sets with the tiles, through drawing and discarding them similar to rummy.

Gavin Stride, director at Farnham Maltings said: “We are delighted to host the European Riichi Mahjong Championships at Farnham Maltings. It will be a hugely exciting time for us to witness the games as they unfold, and to play a part in such a unique and prestigious event.”