Reportedly, India will host a world ranking snooker event-The Indian Open, for the first time in Delhi in October. The tournament will comprise 64 of the world's apex players and will offer prize money of £300,000, out of which £50,000 will go to the winner.
World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn remarked that this is a momentous announcement for snooker as they stage a world ranking event in India for the first time. He commented that if they can replicate the phenomenal success they had in China, then India can be a very thrilling prospect.
The chairman of World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association Jason Ferguson added that he has been in Delhi to finalize the agreement and has witnessed immediate enthusiasm for snooker in India.
Both Aditya Mehta and Pankaj Advani will represent India. Aditya Mehta reached the last 16 of the International Championship last season while Pankaj Advani crashed into the semi-finals of the Paul Hunter Classic and the quarter-final of the Welsh Open.
It has been learnt that a qualifying round is supposed to be held at the Doncaster Dome in August with players requiring winning one match to occupy a place at the tournament in India. It will be held from 14th to 18th October.