Qualifying for the tournament took place amongst 6 players at the Spencer's Snooker Centre in Stirling from 9 to 11 September 1997.[2]
In the first round, 1985 World ChampionDennis Taylor beat Anthony Hamilton 5–4, while former Irish Masters champion Darren Morgan whitewashed Billy Snaddon.[3]
In the semi-finals, former Masters champion Alan McManus defeated Morgan 5–1,[4] while world number 11Tony Drago won 5–3 over Taylor.[5]
In the final McManus defeated Drago 5–2, making five half-century breaks in the match, to earn a place at the main draw.[6] All matches were played to the best-of-nine frames and players in bold indicate match winners.