The Barry Hearn factor is having the desired effect on the world of snooker according to the UK’s largest billiard cloth maker.
WSP Textiles report that the new chairman of World Snooker is sparking renewed interest in the game here and abroad and the market for its cloth is in better shape now than at any time in recent years.
“Barry Hearn is an experienced negotiator and, like us, wants only the best for the game. His involvement is attracting new tournaments and more television coverage.” comments marketing director Duncan Kettell.
“It proves that many people still enjoy snooker with high-end clubs in the UK and Europe doing well despite the recession and we continue to gain market share.”
Official cloth supplier to World Snooker for 31 years, WSP Textiles is looking forward to the start of the Betfred.com World Championships in Sheffield on April 16.
“We enjoy one of the world’s most successful tournament-supplier relationships, which goes back to 1980, when Cliff Thorburn was the first professional player to take the world title on Strachan cloth“.
“Since then, 14 different players have won the world title and we now support all the major ranking tournaments worldwide. This has resulted in further exports to the Far East, where demand is increasing for high quality cloth.” said Kettell.
“In choosing Star tables from China and our Strachan cloth, World Snooker is providing players and tournament organisers the best-possible table conditions.”
Kettell is convinced the new management team is also having a positive impact in clubs, where owners are working hard to provide members with quality entertainment venues.
“Snooker fans are now seeing their favourite players in action more often and also demanding better playing conditions for themselves. As long-term backers of snooker, we are delighted to see that interest in the game is on the up.”
