The Tour, which is anticipated will be phased in next season (2010-11), is planned to develop snooker’s professional circuit in similar way to sports such as tennis and golf.
The new concept will have a minimum of 15 professional ranking tournaments, plus invitation events, being played throughout the first year. The number of events will be increased in subsequent years.
“We have brought forward today’s announcement of the proposed World Snooker Tour in response to misleading, inaccurate and downright untruthful comments about the sport which have been made in the past few months,” said World Snooker Chairman Sir Rodney Walker.
“In the last five years, the sport has progressed from an uncertain financial position with a history of turmoil, to a sport with financial stability, renewed long-term worldwide broadcast contracts and new sponsorship agreements.”
IMG will lead the project commercially, selling the television rights and producing television coverage.
