Marco Fu on Ronnie O'Sullivan's exhibition match against Judd Trump in Hong Kong: 'That's not something you'd typically see at a regular tournament'
==========
Ronnie O’Sullivan recently played a high-profile exhibition match against Judd Trump in Hong Kong. The tickets for the match were priced at £140 to £342, which may have deterred many locals from attending. The spectator turnout was low despite featuring other top players such as Mark Williams, Jack Lisowski, Kyren Wilson, and Marco Fu. The two-day exhibition event in Hong Kong was worth over £655,000 in appearance money. Marco Fu acknowledged the unusual pricing and sparse attendance, noting that such high ticket costs are not typical for standard tournaments. The exhibition match featured top players in the sport, including O’Sullivan and Trump, both former world champions. The high ticket prices may have limited the accessibility of the event to a wider audience. The disparity in ticket costs highlighted the issue of accessibility in elite sports events. Balancing the financial aspects of hosting such events with ensuring broad fan participation and engagement is a common consideration for organizers. The exhibition match in Hong Kong showcased the international appeal of snooker as a sport. Despite the challenges posed by ticket pricing and attendance issues, the presence of top players can elevate the profile and visibility of snooker in various markets. The exhibition match in Hong Kong serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in showcasing elite sports talent on a global stage and the importance of creating inclusive environments for fans to enjoy the competition.