Trump rejects offer to join breakaway snooker tour

WST rules state players are free to compete in any event, as long as they do not clash with existing WST competitions.

Earlier this week, influential former chairman Barry Hearn said the tour would pass the £20m prize money mark next season, with the pot having been £3.5m when he gained control of snooker in 2010.

The sport has long held major events in China and Asia, and interest in snooker is rapidly growing in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia having hosted its first WST tournament in March and Qatar lined up to stage an event in the first half of 2025.

Asked if the breakaway tour approach had come from China, Trump said: “I don’t know, I didn’t even get that far. I’m not interested one bit.

“I’m in my prime. If I was older and at the end of my career maybe it would be different, but I don’t want to waste my prime on exhibition matches.

“I would be a lot happier winning my money than being gifted it. Where I am in my career, how I’m playing and the success I’ve been having, I feel I can earn this money and really have a sense of achievement.

“That’s something my mum and dad would want as well. My mum and dad would be more proud if I did it that way.”