'If I win that’s the energy bills paid' – Neil Robertson on what £20,000 cash boost means to struggling snooker players

Neil Robertson admits snooker players earning a guaranteed £20,000 during the UK cost-of-living crisis is vital to keep the sport afloat this season. With China's continued absence from the sport in hosting several events due to the pandemic – including the Shanghai Masters, China Championship, China Open, World Open and International Open – snooker has been deprived of millions in annual prize money. Ad World Snooker and the WPBSA [World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association] announced on Wednesday they will trial the roll-out of their own bailout strategy that will guarantee all 130 players on the professional circuit a guaranteed minimum of £20,000 in earnings.

£10,000 will be doled out this month with another £10,000 handed out in January. SnookerSnooker players to earn minimum £20,000 prize money in major cash boost18 HOURS AGO “I still remember playing matches, deciders, even being on match ball and thinking ‘this is for the next three months’ rent’. And that doesn’t help you perform your best," said the Masters holder.

“And it is why I have always lived a fairly modest life, I don’t ever want to have those thoughts again. “Other guys will have been going through that, thinking ‘If I win this that’s the rent and utility bills paid for a few months’. This will offer some peace of mind to help them push on." World No.