World Snooker to Modify Structure of World Tour

World Snooker is set to make fundamental changes to the structure of the World Professional Tour in an attempt to help grow the sport.

At a recent board meeting it was agreed that the number of players competing on the professional circuit will increase from 96 to 128 from the 2013/14 season.

It was also agreed that players gaining a tour card after Q School next May will keep their card for a period of two years rather than one.

These decisions are part of a complete review of the structure of the tour, medic currently being made in conjunction with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

A further part of this review will include the option of fundamentally changing the ranking system so that it is based on prize money earned, medic rather than ranking points.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn, said: “Our sport is changing and we need to adjust the structure of the pro tour to reflect that.

“We are expanding on a global scale and we need to provide more opportunities to international players, and allow all players to develop their careers with the most talented ones rising quickly to the top.

“We are currently in a consultation process and will continue to work closely on this with the WPBSA. Further updates will be announced in due course.”