“A Key Growth Area”

Jason Ferguson, WPBSA Chairman said: “The Americas region represents a huge growth area for snooker.

“There are players with the dreams and aspirations all over the world, but often vast distance and expense stands in their way. Some players like Neil Robertson have overcome this hurdle, but we must learn from the huge challenges players have often faced. I am therefore delighted with today’s announcement, a clear demonstration of our intent to provide greater opportunities for all players around the world. The localisation of Q Tours is creating a life changing opportunity for talented players, and we are full of excitement as plans unfold.

“I would like to thank Ajeya Prabhakar and his team for their cooperation on this project and their support of our great sport. Through embracing these prestigious events as part of the WPBSA Q Tour Global, it can only help to further the development of snooker in the Pan American region.

Ajeya Prabhakar, PABSA President said: “On behalf of PABSA I am happy to announce this new agreement which will see some of our most prestigious tournaments recognised by the WPBSA for the first time.

“It is hugely exciting that more regions from around the globe are now taking their place within the WPBSA Q Tour Global structure and through the hard work of our team at PABSA and our member countries, we are proud to be a part of this development. We can see this week at The Pan American Snooker Championships, hosted by our friends and colleagues at the CBBS, that standards are rising, more countries want to participate, and more players want the opportunities to progress.

“I have no doubt that our players will lend their backing to this series and look forward to congratulating the overall winners who will travel to compete in the Global Playoff alongside some of the best amateur players in the world next year.”