Fans of Snooker have expressed their disappointment and anger over reports that the Snooker World Grand Prix will not be shown on free-to-air TV next year. The tournament, which features the top 32 players on the one-year ranking list, was won earlier this year by Ronnie O’Sullivan, beating Judd Trump in the final. The event was previously broadcast live on ITV, but the broadcaster has decided to axe its coverage of the event that kicks off on March 4. This decision reportedly stems from a venue change for the tournament in 2025, with the event moving to Hong Kong’s new Kai Tak Sports Park.
ITV’s decision to not show the World Grand Prix has left fans raging, with some labeling it a “disgrace” on social media. The reasons cited by ITV for dropping coverage of the event include the venue change and the time difference due to the tournament being held in Hong Kong for the first time. The move to hold the tournament in Hong Kong is part of the World Snooker Tour’s strategy to grow the sport globally and distribute its biggest tournaments around the world. CEO Simon Brownell expressed excitement about taking the event to Hong Kong, highlighting the significance of the territory and market for the sport and the utilization of the new state-of-the-art venue for the competition.
The Snooker World Grand Prix in Hong Kong will mark the territory’s first ranking event in 35 years, making it a significant milestone for the sport in that region. The change in location has also brought an increase in the winner’s prize money, with the champion set to pocket £180,000 instead of the usual £100,000. This development has been welcomed by players, as they stand to benefit from the financial rewards of winning the prestigious tournament. The decision to host the event in Hong Kong reflects the efforts of the World Snooker Tour to further globalize the sport and attract new audiences in different parts of the world.
The move to shift the Snooker World Grand Prix to Hong Kong and the subsequent decision by ITV to not broadcast the tournament on free-to-air TV has sparked debate among fans and industry insiders. While some are disappointed by the lack of access to the event on traditional television channels, others see the venue change as a positive step towards expanding the reach of snooker and engaging with new audiences. The shift to Hong Kong reflects a broader trend in sports to explore new markets and tap into the potential for growth and development in different regions, marking a significant moment for the sport of snooker on the global stage.
As the countdown to the Snooker World Grand Prix in Hong Kong begins, fans, players, and stakeholders in the sport are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament and the exciting matches that will unfold. While the absence of free-to-air TV coverage may disappoint some viewers, the opportunity to witness top-level snooker action in a new location with increased prize money highlights the evolving nature of the sport and its commitment to innovation and growth. The decision to take the event to Hong Kong signals a new chapter in the history of the Snooker World Grand Prix and opens up possibilities for future tournaments to be held in diverse locations around the world.
