The qualifying tournament was played from 25 May to 13 June 1953. These matches were also played at Leicester Square Hall in London. There were 3 competitors: Sydney Lee, Jim Lees and Rex Williams. Matches were over 71 frames, except that there was no play in the match between Lee and Williams on 2 June, the day of the Coronation of Elizabeth II, and the match was reduced to 59 frames. The qualifying was won by Rex Williams who advanced to the main event.