The preliminary qualifying rounds for the tournament were for four highest-ranked Scottish players who were not invited to the main event and took place on 9 September 1998 at the Spencer's Snooker Centre in Stirling.[4]Jamie Burnett won the four-man playoff and earned the final spot for the main qualifying event.[5] All matches were played to the best-of-nine frames and players in bold indicate match winners.[3]
Qualifying for the tournament took place at the Spencer's Snooker Centre in Stirling from 10 to 12 September 1998.[4][5]Paul Hunter defeated Matthew Stevens, Stephen Lee and Jamie Burnett to secure a place at the main draw.[6] All matches were played to the best-of-nine frames and players in bold indicate match winners.[3]
