Dennis Taylor has rubbished suggestions that Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump's decisions to move to Asia may damage snooker in the UK. O'Sullivan, 49, was granted a residency in Hong Kong back in January, while Trump regularly flits between the country and popular Middle Eastern destination Dubai.

Both have claimed the respective cultures and cuisine of the areas are behind their decision, as well as the increase in snooker competitions and events in Asia and the Middle East. With two of snooker's biggest stars leaving the UK for pastures new, many have been concerned that it may damage the four nations' standing in the game. However, Taylor disagrees, pointing to the growing popularity of snooker across the board.

While speaking exclusively to the Express, via Betway, the former world champion 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 fact that the BBC signed up for another seven years shows the game is healthy and is growing all over the world with the viewing figures and the crowds are getting bigger. The game is in good shape so there isn’t much wrong with the sport."

Trump justified his decision to move east, where he lives with his Hong Kongese figure-skating girlfriend Maisy Ma, by claiming the lifestyle is better suited for what he wants. He said: “I think we have now got the opportunity to pick a bit more where you can live.

"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. I think for me it’s perfect, I think the style of living for me really suits me and it inspires me as well to see other people doing great.”

He added: “I need to be inspired to keep going, to want to afford to do different things and be around the right people so I think just at this moment in time I am able to, haven’t got a baby or anything, I am able to do what I want and I need to enjoy it while I can."

O'Sullivan offered a similar explanation when he was grilled on his decision to move. The Rocket replied: "I've spent a lot of time in Hong Kong. I've had many really nice trips here, got some good friends here, I enjoy my stay here. And obviously, snooker is very popular here as well. If you want to have a good life, you should come to Hong Kong.

"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. If you work a long time in a certain place you need to make it as comfortable as possible."