World no.1 can't afford to play at snooker finals

A world number one snooker player said not being able to afford to compete at the first-ever World Disability Snooker Championship would be "heartbreaking".

David Church, 29, from Norwich, is trying to raise enough money to take part in the tournament, which starts in Thailand on 25 February.

But Church - who features on a poster for the event - said with few sponsorship opportunities and no TV coverage, he may struggle to take part.

World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS), the tournament's hosts, said while it provided "significant funding" to reduce the "cost burden on players", it could not fund the large amount of competitors taking part.

Church, who was born with Moebius syndrome - a rare condition that affects facial muscles and eye movement - said he had raised £1,100 so far.

"With it being in Thailand, the flights, accommodation and extra luggage for my cue case means it's going to be a real struggle," he told the BBC.

"All these things cost money and I've done so much to get to world number one. It's heartbreaking."

WDBS said most players taking part in the tournament were required to fund themselves.

Competitors must pay a £60 entry fee and stay at an agreed hotel costing £68 per night.

The winner of all eight separate categories will take home a minimum prize of £1,000.

Mr Church, ranked world number one in group 4, said the sport needed "more support from sponsors and exposure on TV".

"If I do not raise enough to compete in Thailand, I will of course return donations... or if people are happy to do so I will use for future events," he posted on his fundraising page.

He said "without financial assistance, generosity or sponsors" it was "hard to see" how he could continue to compete, especially with his first child expected soon.

Comparisons with prize money available at other snooker tournaments are stark.

Kyren Wilson, who won the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in 2024, was presented with a £500,000 cheque.

WDBS said it actively sought sponsorship to support its activities and players, and that some of its invitational events were fully funded.

A spokesperson added: "Unfortunately, it is cost prohibitive for WDBS to fund the large number of players that its events attract.

"WDBS is not a profit-making organisation and all its funds go towards the development of disability snooker and our aspiration to become a Paralympic sport.

"This is where a major sponsor could help as the sponsorship could be used to benefit players and speed up WDBS development plans."

Last year, WDBS said it was pushing for snooker to return to the Paralympics in 2032.

Competitors taking part in the World Disability Snooker Championship must register by 5 Feb.

"I'm still a bit away from being able to pay for it but I'm not quite giving up yet," Mr Church added.

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