Should the Welsh Open Be Held in South Wales?

The Welsh Open has been a prominent event in the snooker calendar, but Jackson Page's recent comments highlight ongoing debates about its location. Page believes the tournament should be held in south Wales instead of its current venue in Llandudno, where it has taken place for the past four years. His perspective underscores the disconnect between the tournament's location and the majority of Welsh professional players, who hail from the southern regions.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the 2026 Welsh Open approaches, scheduled from 23 February to 1 March, Jackson Page has publicly questioned the suitability of Llandudno as the tournament's location. Despite enjoying the venue, Page's comments reflect a broader sentiment among Welsh players who believe that holding such a prestigious event in south Wales would better represent the national identity of the sport. This year's tournament will once again feature top players, including Page, who is set to face Luca Brecel in the first round, seeking revenge after Brecel eliminated him in last year's quarter-finals.

Key takeaways

Jackson Page advocates for the Welsh Open to be moved to south Wales.
The tournament has been held in Llandudno for four consecutive years, with English players winning each time.
Page faces former world champion Luca Brecel in the first round of the upcoming tournament.

Timeline: how we got here

The Welsh Open has seen various changes in its hosting. The following timeline outlines key events leading to the current situation:

2017: Jackson Page makes his debut at 15, capturing attention by reaching the third round.
2020: The Welsh Open is relocated to Venue Cymru in Llandudno.
2023: Luca Brecel wins the World Snooker Championship, adding to the prestige of the sport.
2025: Page reaches the quarter-finals but is defeated by Brecel.
2026: The Welsh Open is set to commence on 23 February.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Jackson Page's comments about the Welsh Open's location have reignited discussions on whether the tournament should move to south Wales. His strong belief that the event should reflect the majority of Welsh players' origins could influence future decisions on the tournament's venue.

What was already established

Since moving to Llandudno, the Welsh Open has consistently seen English players claiming the title. The tournament format remains unchanged, with matches starting as best-of-seven frames and escalating to the best-of-17 for the final.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Welsh Open draws significant attention from snooker fans across the UK. Continued discussions regarding its location may affect ticket sales and viewership, especially if fans feel disconnected from the venue. The potential for a south Wales location could invigorate local support and engagement.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses in the Llandudno area benefit from the influx of visitors during the Welsh Open. Should the tournament move to south Wales, businesses there may see increased economic activity, but those in Llandudno could suffer a downturn.

Policy and regulation

While there are no immediate regulatory implications regarding the tournament's location, ongoing discussions may prompt the governing bodies of snooker to consider player feedback seriously when deciding on future events. This reflects a growing trend in sports management where player and fan interests are increasingly taken into account.

Numbers that matter

£100,000: The winner's prize for the Welsh Open.
£45,000: The prize for the runner-up.
4: Consecutive years the Welsh Open has been held in Llandudno.
15: Age at which Jackson Page made his Welsh Open debut.
5: Quarter-finals reached by Page during his career.

Definitions and jargon buster

Welsh Open: An annual professional snooker tournament held in Wales.
Venue Cymru: The current venue for the Welsh Open located in Llandudno, north Wales.
Best-of-seven frames: A match format where the first player to win four frames wins the match.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Welsh Open approaches, players like Jackson Page will focus on their preparation and performance. Fans can look forward to the tournament's start and monitor any announcements regarding its format or location for future editions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-tournament evaluations may lead to discussions on potential venue changes, depending on feedback from players and fans. The performance of Welsh players in the tournament may also influence these discussions.

Signals to watch

Player feedback on the tournament location.
Attendance and viewership statistics during the event.
Future announcements from snooker governing bodies regarding event locations.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local players by attending matches and events.
Engage with snooker community discussions about tournament locations.
Follow updates on player performances throughout the tournament.

Don’t

Neglect to provide feedback on the tournament experience.
Assume that the current venue will remain static in future years.
Overlook the significance of supporting snooker in Wales.

Checklist

Check match schedules for the Welsh Open starting 23 February.
Research player backgrounds and statistics to enhance viewing experience.
Plan visits to local venues supporting snooker events.
Stay updated on tournament news through official channels.
Engage with fellow fans on social media platforms for discussions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While discussions about the Welsh Open's location are ongoing, no formal decisions have been made. The sentiments expressed by players like Jackson Page represent a growing concern but do not guarantee changes. The impact of player performances and fan engagement will play significant roles in shaping future events.

Bottom line

Jackson Page's advocacy for relocating the Welsh Open to south Wales reflects a broader desire among players for a venue that resonates more closely with their roots. As the 2026 tournament approaches, its outcomes may influence future discussions about the tournament's location and the representation of Welsh snooker.

FAQs

Why does Jackson Page want the Welsh Open moved?

Jackson Page believes the Welsh Open should be held in south Wales, as most Welsh players are from that region, making it feel more like a home event.

What is the prize money for the Welsh Open?

The winner of the Welsh Open will receive £100,000, while the runner-up will take home £45,000.

When does the 2026 Welsh Open take place?

The 2026 Welsh Open is scheduled to run from 23 February to 1 March.