First ever Turkish Masters represents another huge step in snooker's overseas adventure around the world

This week’s Turkish Masters sees snooker touch down in the beautiful surroundings of Antalya, the latest stopping off point for a sport becoming increasingly global. After a year behind closed doors in Milton Keynes the stunning scenery and warm weather of Turkey’s southern coastline must almost feel like an hallucination to snooker players used to gazing out of their hotel windows at the local Wagamama’s. Ad/> Snooker was invented by British army officers in India before establishing itself in the UK.

Early trips to foreign climes tended to be limited to Commonwealth countries. The World Championship was staged in Australia in 1970 and 1975 but tournaments were mainly held in the familiar surroundings of Blighty. SnookerTurkish Masters LIVE — Xintong and Wilson get campaigns underway, Higgins to come later3 HOURS AGO The first ranking event staged outside the UK was the 1988 Canadian Masters.

At the time, there were still several leading players from Canada on tour. Later that season, snooker bosses made the bizarre decision to host a new tournament, the European Open, in a casino in Deauville, France – a country without any snooker heritage. It didn’t go well.

Crowds were almost non-existent. There was one session with just four spectators. After the French master of ceremonies had completed his introductions a woman stood up and said, “can you repeat that please? We’re from Portsmouth.” Dressed in their waistcoats, more than one player was mistaken by casino patrons as a waiter.

The event moved the following year to Lyon, where it also failed to make its mark. Both were won by John Parrott, who established a niche by winning titles in various outposts outside the UK. Turkish Masters 2022 — Latest results, scores,