Major snooker tournament faces disappearing from free-to-air TV after ITV decision following location change

FANS have been left fuming after it was confirmed the Snooker World Grand Prix will not be shown on free-to-air TV next year.

The tournament sees only the top 32 players on the one-year ranking list qualify.

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Ronnie O’Sullivan won the competition earlier this year[/caption]

Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Judd Trump in the final earlier this year, with all the action from Leicester being shown live on ITV.

But the broadcasters have decided to ditch the event that begins on March 4.

ITV axed their plans for the World Grand Prix after a venue change was announced for 2025.

Since the tournament started ten years ago, it has always been held in the UK.

But all eyes this time will be on Hong Kong’s new Kai Tak Sports Park.

ITV said in a statement to SunSport: “ITV Sport has enjoyed a brilliant relationship with the Snooker World Grand Prix over the years.

“Due to the change in location to Hong Kong and the live broadcast timings for a UK audience, unfortunately we will not be showing the tournament next year.

“We hope to be able to continue our working relationship in the future.”

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But fans have been left raging, with one labelling the move a “disgrace” on social media.

The venue swap is part of the World Snooker Tour’s plans to grow the sport across the world.

CEO Simon Brownell: “We are hugely excited to be taking such a massive event to Hong Kong.

“This is a move which is in line with our strategy to have a greater distribution of snooker’s biggest tournaments around the world and further globalise the sport.

“Hong Kong is a territory and market of particular significance for us. We are delighted to be utilising this new world class venue.”

The Grand Prix will be Hong Kong’s first ranking event in 35 years.

And it is good news for players as the winner will pocket £180,000 instead of the usual £100,000.