World-Taiwan Federation chairman declined to move to China for World Championships Xingpai wants to build permanent venue
A few days ago, members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Vice Chairman of the China Billiards Association, President Gan Lianfang of Xingpai Group, World Taiwan Federation Chairman Ferguson, and World Champion Higgins were interviewed by the media. During the interview, Gan Lianfang said that he would build a permanent snooker stadium in Beijing, but when he expressed his hope to bring the World Championships to China, World Taiwan Federation Chairman Ferguson said he declined the dinner.
While many reporters were asking questions, Mr. Gan Lianfang, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, vice chairman of the Chinese Billiards Association, and president of Xingpai Group, suddenly raised his hand to the host to indicate that he wanted to ask a question. Later, Mr. Gan Lianfang asked Ferguson, chairman of the World Taiwan Federation, and he said: “There are now five World Taiwan Federation matches in China. Introducing the World Championships to China, even if it is held in China for one year and the UK for one year, this method is okay.”
As the designated platform for all official World Taiwan Confederations worldwide, Xingpai not only has close cooperation and ties with the World Taiwan Confederation, but also cooperates with Ding Junhui, Higgins, O’Sullivan, and Hender. Many world champions, including Lee, have a cooperative relationship. It is no exaggeration to say that the Xingpai Group has played a very important role in the history of the development of Chinese billiards and has also made indelible contributions.
It is precisely because of this that the head of the Xingpai Group should propose to the chairman of the World Taiwan Federation that he wants to host the World Championships. This is by no means a joke. After hearing such questions from Mr. Gan Lianfang, World Taiwan Federation Chairman Ferguson was also a little surprised. He said: “We now have 9 competitions in China, five major ranking tournaments and four Asian Tour tournaments. This gives the world. Players from all over the world have more opportunities to participate. Five years ago snooker was only held in the West, but now I can proudly announce that snooker has become a world sport. Our competition in China There has also been a certain degree of improvement, which is also inseparable from the support of Xingpai.”
Later, Chairman Ferguson added to the topic of the World Championships. He said: “Snooker was only held in the UK before, but now with the support of Xingpai, it has been developing in full swing all over the world. Probably. Four years ago, our competitions were very few, but now there are 30 world-class competitions and 90 corresponding snooker organizations to support our development. There are also many countries and regions around the world. Snooker TV broadcast. I believe that one day the Snooker World Championship will come to China.”
The reason why many people think that the World Championships will be held in China is precisely because of the last paragraph of Chairman Ferguson’s answer. It is not difficult to understand this passage. On the surface, it is Chairman Ferguson’s affirmation of China’s level of competition and his gratitude to Xingpai Group for its strong support of the snooker business. But when it comes to the World Championships, Ferguson’s “I believe there will be one day” answer is obviously declined and declined.
It is definitely impossible to say “NO!” in person, but if this kind of refusal is understood as the World Championships will be held in China, it would be a big mistake. The rumors about the World Championships coming to China have been around for a long time, but all of this is nothing more than our wishful thinking. As early as during the 2011 World Championships, Barry Hearn, the president of World Snooker Co., Ltd., made it clear that he had made a statement on this matter.
“I don’t deny that the popularity of snooker in Europe has decayed, but this is exactly what my team will do next. We hope that people across Europe will rekindle their interest in Snow. The enthusiasm of sports.” Barry Hearn said: “It is certain that even if snooker is not too prosperous in the UK, it is not so difficult that even the World Championships cannot be held. I do not deny that China is the present. Snooker is the largest market outside of the United Kingdom, but we have no plans to host the World Championships in China.”
In this interview, Mr. Gan Lianfang not only expressed his desire to host the World Championships, but also revealed another news. “Xingpai Group will build a permanent snooker venue in Beijing. This is what Mayor Wang (Mayor Wang Anshun of the Beijing Municipal People’s Government) hopes.” Gan Lianfang said: “We hope to complete this by 2015. At that time, we will hold the China Open in this venue. At present, we are also applying for this matter with relevant state departments.”
If nothing happens, the China Open, which will kick off on March 31, will be the last time it will be held at the University Gymnasium in Jimenqiao.
