Unbelievable: World Snooker Tour responds to John Higgins after four-time world champion is asked to change in toilet at Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.
The World Snooker Tour has issued a response after four-time world champion John Higgins revealed he was asked to change in a toilet at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship — a remark that sparked widespread backlash over backstage conditions at the event.
Higgins, speaking after his match at the invitational tournament in Saudi Arabia, said there were no dressing rooms available for players. Instead, the tournament director had told him he could either “get changed in a toilet” or go behind the stairs and use a curtained-off area as a makeshift changing area.
He described the backstage facilities as “so below par it was unbelievable,” calling the arrangement unacceptable for a high-money event with global ambition.
WST: Acknowledgement, explanation and promise to improve
In a statement, WST acknowledged Higgins’ feedback and accepted that some challenges arise due to “the global nature of our tour” and the “wide variety of venues” used. They said that, under the circumstances, they had provided the “best possible facilities” for players — including an improved Players Lounge area.
WST also confirmed that they are gathering additional feedback from players this season, and will “work with our partners” to improve facilities at future events.
On the table conditions: regulation compliance
Higgins had also previously criticised the playing conditions at the Riyadh event, claiming that the main table was too high — “as if there were beer mats under the table” — and that the cloth lacked “bite,” making cue-ball control difficult.
In response, WST insisted that the table was set at regulation height, following the official rules established by the sport’s governing body. The tournament director reportedly demonstrated to Higgins that all table legs were within accepted tolerance during pre-event setup.
WST added that their leading table-fitters were present at the event to ensure standard playing conditions — and emphasized that this process is standard at all WST events.
Context & Reaction: Growth pains amid global expansion
The Riyadh Season Championship is part of WST’s broader effort to expand the sport globally — including into the Middle East, where snooker is gaining increased visibility and investment. The event featured a lucrative prize structure and the spectacle of a “Golden Ball” prize, drawing top players and international attention.
However, Higgins’ remarks suggest that in some instances, the push for rapid global growth may have outpaced the infrastructure needed to support professional players properly — particularly in venues unaccustomed to hosting snooker stars. His criticism, and WST’s public reaction, reveal tensions between ambition for expansion and standards expected by players.
The response from WST — acknowledging problems, promising review, and committing to better future facilities — suggests an awareness that maintaining player comfort and professionalism is essential if snooker’s global push is to succeed without compromising on quality.
What now: What WST says will change
According to the statement, WST will use the feedback collected this season to inform improvements at upcoming tournaments. They are working with event partners to ensure backstage facilities — including changing rooms — meet acceptable standards.
On playing-condition concerns, WST reiterated that tables will continue to be set up to regulation standards, with certified fitters inspecting and verifying table height and cloth/play conditions at each event.
For now, the snooker world watches closely: can WST’s promises translate into real improvements — especially if the sport is to host more high-profile events beyond traditional venues?
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