Wuxi's snooker future in doubt as World Cup gets underway

England's Judd Trump talks with his teammate Barry Hawkins at the press conference in Wuxi on July 2.[Photo by Pan Qi/China Daily]

Wuxi has hosted the World Cup since 2015, and it has proved a hit with players, sponsors and broadcasters.

Six of the top seven players in the snooker world rankings will compete in Wuxi on July 3-9, with new sponsors Little Swan helping to boost the total prize money on offer to $800,000.

Millions are expected to watch the tournament on TV, with broadcasters including China's national network CCTV and Eurosport set to show live coverage of the action.

The head of the WPBSA, Jason Ferguson, was keen to stress the good relationship his organization has with Wuxi.

"We're delighted to be here in Wuxi because it marks really the beginning of the growth of snooker here in China," said Ferguson. "We always get a fabulous reception here … the fans are very enthusiastic."