China leads snooker revival
World Snooker’s decision to use the Beijing Xingwei Sports Goods company Star brand table on the professional circuit is boosting business for Milliken, the UK manufacturer of Strachan billiard cloth.
With World Snooker also specifying Strachan for its ranking events, including the new World Open, the company’s export business is showing a marked increase since the switch, as demand soars for high-end products in China’s domestic market.
Milliken also has a strong relationship with China’s other major quality table maker, Shender Sporting Equipment.
Shender has an agreement to supply tables to the International Billiards & Snooker Federation, the governing body for non-professional snooker, and Strachan is the IBSF cloth of choice for its 70 member countries.
Milliken is stepping up its output as demand in 2010 has surpassed expectation.
Marketing director Duncan Kettell reports: “China has quickly become a major force in snooker, providing top-quality tables that are selling well around the world. At the same time, a host of new Asian players are breaking through into the pro ranks.
"Read More..." for the details.
Referee Michaela Tabb in a shot taken from Milliken’s new website.
“It is great to see China leading a revival in the game while, nearer home, World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn is having a welcome impact with fresh formats and sponsors injecting new life into snooker.
“Our work to develop the highest quality cloth for players at all levels is now paying dividends and we think it’s only a matter of time before World Snooker hails its first world championship winner from Asia,” added Kettell.
www.milliken-wsp.com
Chat about this news in our forums.