World Snooker have revealed major expansion plans which will see the number of ranking events more than double.

More overseas tournaments will be played on the new World Snooker Tour, set to be introduced next season.

The move will be popular among players concerned by a dwindling number of major events — there are only six on the calendar this year.

World champion John Higgins has been an advocate of taking snooker to previously overlooked countries and has promoted a World Series with matches in Germany, Poland, Russia, Portugal and the Czech Republic.

World Snooker intend to have at least 15 ranking events on the calendar in conjunction with events management company IMG.

World Snooker chairman Sir Rodney Walker said: “We hope the players and promoters will recognise the opportunities of being part of this ambitious plan and help in bringing it to fruition.”

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