Inside Snooker understands ITV4 will not be showing the Haikou World Open this year, as they did last.
The ITV coverage was generally well received and drew encouraging audiences but the Champion of Champions event in Coventry went so well that the World Open, though a ranking tournament, may seem a little bit of a backward step considering the time difference with China and the relative lack of atmosphere at the sparsely attended Haikou venue.
However, discussions are believed to be well advanced with ITV to broadcast a second exclusive event next season, as an addition to the Champion of Champions.
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Further to our story earlier last week about the PTC Grand Finals, we understand alternative venues in Thailand outside of Bangkok have been scouted in case there needs to be a switch from the capital but that the event will go on.