Backed by the BBC

The BBC's decision to continue to broadcast snooker until 2017 means the game can continue to be viewed by the masses in the UK.

Today's announcement of a three-year contract extension should be greeted with cheer because it continues to give our beloved game mainstream attention.

A large majority of snooker fans in the UK watch the sport on a part-time basis and when the majors - the World Championship, UK Championship and The Masters - are broadcast by the BBC.

People like me who follow all the events, including the PTCs and qualifiers and watch the ever-moving world rankings with great interest, are a rare breed.

Even today, with snooker streamed online and showed on Eurosport most weeks, the BBC action is the backbone of the season for most fans.

That's why this deal is an absolutely massive boost for the sport.

It keeps up the momentum of Barry Hearn's rennovation work in snooker. The deal means the BBC is also saying that the recently announced flatter 128-man flatter structure isn't a dealbreaker when it comes to a major broadcaster.

The announcement also states that in 2014 there is an option to add a fourth event to the BBC roster. This signifies potential growth of the game in the UK, at a time when the majority of change has come for the rest of the world.

Today is a good day for the sport. It helps to keep snooker accessible in the country of its origin.