Former world champion Dennis Taylor has dismissed concerns that Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump's decisions to relocate to Asia will damage snooker in the UK.
O'Sullivan, 49, was granted residency in Hong Kong in January, while Trump regularly splits his time between Hong Kong and Dubai.
With two of the sport's biggest stars leaving Britain, some have worried about the potential impact on the game's standing in the UK.
However, Taylor believes these concerns are unfounded, pointing to snooker's growing global popularity.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has opened up on his strugglesGettyBoth players have cited the rich cultures and cuisine of these regions as factors in their decisions to move abroad.
They also pointed to the increasing number of snooker competitions and events taking place in Asia and the Middle East.
Their relocations have sparked wider concerns that the World Snooker Championship could eventually be moved from the Crucible to overseas locations.
Countries like Saudi Arabia and China have been suggested as potential future hosts for major tournaments.
Taylor, speaking to the Express, said: "There's very few [players moving abroad].
"It is always players moving to the UK from abroad and that's been happening since the days of Eddie Charlton who did over 100 trips from Australia.
"I don't think it impacts the game in the UK. It's not just a UK game anyways now, it's a worldwide game growing all over the world so it's not going to impact that."
The former world champion's comments suggest he sees the sport's international growth as a positive development.
Judd Trump is the world No. 1
PATaylor further emphasised the sport's healthy position, noting: "The fact that the BBC signed up for another seven years shows the game is healthy and is growing all over the world."
He pointed to increasing audience figures as evidence of snooker's continued popularity.
"The viewing figures and the crowds are getting bigger. The game is in good shape so there isn't much wrong with the sport," Taylor added.
His comments suggest that despite the relocation of star players, the fundamentals of snooker in Britain remain strong.
Ronnie O'Sullivan insisted most of his work is in Asia, hence the switch
PAThe BBC's long-term commitment represents a significant vote of confidence in the sport's future.
Trump explained his decision to relocate, saying: "I think there's so many tournaments in Asia and the Middle East, everywhere is kind of picking that up and now I'm able to base myself in Dubai and Hong Kong."
He added that the lifestyle suits him and provides inspiration.
O'Sullivan offered similar reasoning, stating: "I probably do about 70% of my work in China and Asia now, so I have to make a life here, I have to make a home."
The Rocket also praised Hong Kong, saying: "If you want to have a good life, you should come to Hong Kong."
