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Mark Selby thinks snooker can...

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Mark Selby thinks snooker can gain a new audience this summer


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Three-time world champion Mark Selby believes snooker has a chance to grow their audience in the coming months.

Ken Doherty and Mark Allen are among the 64 players taking part in June's behind closed doors Championship League, which will restart the season.

Selby thinks sports fans starved for live action could be attracted to watch the matches on TV.

"It is great for everyone who follows the game," the Jester from Leicester told World Snooker.

"I think we could attract a lot of new followers as well. People are sitting at home, crying out for sport to be on TV.

"At the moment, all we have is highlights from different sporting events over the years that everyone has already seen. Snooker has a big following anyway, but this could attract a new fanbase.

The World Snooker Championship is likely to be played without supporters at the Crucible in late July and early August and Selby says players will just need to adjust:

"I am fortunate enough to have played in the one-table setup with a full crowd and know what it is like getting to the latter stages.

"There is no better venue to play at than the Crucible. To have nobody there at all, other than the opponent and referee would be quite surreal. At the same time if it comes to a choice between no crowd or not at all, then the whole tour would want to play it.

"I think the way things are going, it could be like this for a while. Mentally we need to prepare ourselves that this is the way it is going to be.

"If it is another six months like this, then so be it. As long as you have your health and all of your family are well then that is all you can ask for at this moment in time."


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