Australia to host ranking event

Australia is to stage a ranking tournament for the first time as World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn attempts to expand the game's reach.

The Australian Goldfields Open will take place in Bendigo between 18-24 July 2011, with a three-year deal signed to stage the event.

"Snooker is going global like never before," said Hearn.

"We also have new events in Thailand and Brazil within the next few months, plus many more in the pipeline."

Australia produced its first world champion when Neil Robertson claimed the crown in 2010.

"This is a long-standing dream come true for me, as I am sure it is for many snooker players and fans in Australia," said Robertson.

"To have a world ranking event in my home state will be just unbelievable and I hope to get a lot of support."

Another good idea from Barry Hearn expanding the sport on a larger level,more overseas tournament will get alot more people interested and wanting to play Snooker. Barry Hearns just keeps on making the game better and better without him I think Snooker would still be living in the 20th century.

I can honestly think of nothing better than an event in Australia, they are sports mad and always seem to get good sponsore for any sporting event involving an Aussie.

I can now see alot more Snooker players coming out of Australia.

So can i Liam, once the Aussies get a World Champion in any sport, they seem to sprout good players everywhere. Very sporty nation and are always good fun.