Trump is heading the cue as snooker eyes pot of gold from speedy return

TODAY will see snooker become the first sport to make a return to free-toair television, writes Nick Metcalfe.

Coverage of a special Championship League event, being played behind closed doors in Milton Keynes, starts on ITV4 this afternoon, with world champion Judd Trump in action.

Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, told Metro: ‘We’re very proud to be the first out of the traps and get going.

‘It is time for snooker to shine more than it ever has before. We are a great British sport. We’ll do a great job and our players will perform and entertain as they have always done.’ Ferguson also believes the event will act as a rehearsal for the world championship, which is due to start on July 31 at the Crucible.

With many other sports yet to resume, three-time world champion Mark Selby (pictured), who plays on Thursday, hopes snooker can sell itself to a new audience.

‘We could attract a lot of new followers,’ Selby said. ‘People are sitting at home, crying out for sport on TV. Snooker has a big following anyway but this could attract a new fanbase.’