Barry Hawkins says he agrees with UK snooker in ‘crisis’ claim

Barry Hawkins says he agrees with a claim that UK snooker is currently facing a “crisis” situation.

The multiple ranking event winner and former World Championship and Masters finalist said he fears for snooker’s future when a conveyer belt of emerging UK players appears to have slowed up.

Hawkins recently spoke to Eurosport Hungary and expressed his concerns over the amount of talent coming through in the UK.

The world number 16 feels “investment is needed” if a new generation of talent is to take up the game he’s been playing as a child.

Hawkins was asked on his thoughts over whether or not UK snooker was “in crisis especially for the younger generation”

“Investment needed to halt UK snooker crisis”

He said: “I do agree with that. Years ago when I started playing there just seemed to be an unlimited supply of UK and British youngsters.

“It seemed to be so popular. There were so many players.

“It seems to me now in the UK there’s not many at all (players coming through). So maybe some investment is needed. There’s more snooker and pool clubs opening up again so maybe that’s a good thing.

“I think the money is getting a lot bigger in snooker. A lot more countries like Saudi Arabia have got involved this year and obviously China is huge.  If you can do well and have a good career, you could earn a lot of money. Maybe all them ingredients can help get youngsters involved in snooker.”

The said UK snooker “crisis” comes at a time when young and experienced players from China are making a big impression in the game. Si Jiahui, Wu Yize & Xiao Guodong are having an impressive season as talk grows of Chinese players dominating the sport in the not-too-distant future.

David Caulfield, editor of Snooker HQ recently told Snooker Chat, “I know it has been said for the best part of 20 years but there are signs now more than ever that some sort of Chinese takeover at the top could be imminent.”

Hawkins will play Judd Trump in the Masters on Tuesday (January 14). This is a rematch of the recent UK Championship final which Trump won narrowly 10-8.