THE NUMBER of players competing on the professional circuit will increase from 96 to 128 from the 2012/13 season, World Snooker has confirmed.

The decision was made at a recent board meeting, where it was also agreed that players gaining a tour card after Q School next May will keep their card for a period of two years rather than one.

It has also been revealed that World Snooker, together with the WPBSA, is considering a fundamental change to the ranking system that will see it based on prize money rather than points.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said: “Our sport is changing and we need to adjust the structure of the pro tour to reflect that. We are expanding on a global scale and we need to provide more opportunities to international players, and allow all players to develop their careers with the most talented ones rising quickly to the top.

“We are currently in a consultation process and will continue to work closely on this with the WPBSA. Further updates will be announced in due course.”