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Welsh Open Debate: South Wales Demands Grow Stronger

BBC Sport •
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Jackson Page, 24, reignites debate over Welsh Open venue after criticizing its north Wales location. The snooker event has been held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno for four consecutive years, with English players claiming all recent titles. Page, who reached last year’s quarter-finals, argues the tournament should be in south Wales to better represent Welsh professionals, stating, "There’s no player from north Wales – every pro is from the south."

The £100,000-prize tournament runs 23 February–1 March 2026, featuring Mark Selby and Luca Brecel among its 16 first-round matches. Page faces revenge against Brecel, who defeated him in last year’s quarter-finals. While acknowledging Venue Cymru’s quality, Page insists, "It’s still in Wales, but it doesn’t feel like a home event."

The event’s north Wales dominance has sparked backlash, with fans and players calling for a southern relocation. BBC Sport will broadcast all matches, including the best-of-17 final on BBC One Wales. Page, who turned pro at 15, vows to elevate his game: "I want to be the best – I just need to turn things around."

Relocating the Welsh Open could reshape snooker’s Welsh legacy, potentially boosting south Wales’s profile as a snooker hub. For now, Page remains focused: "I’m sure I’ll get there."