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Shaun Murphy takes a shot during the final of the 2015 Masters at Alexandra Palace, London, Sunday Jan. 18, 2015. Shaun Murphy became the 10th man to win snooker\'s Triple Crown as he stunned Australia\'s Neil Robertson 10-2 to take the title. (AP Photo/PA, Andrew Matthews) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE

Cue the Olympics: Snooker, billiards seek big break on 2020 Tokyo Games stage

LONDON – Snooker and billiards are lobbying for inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association and the World Confederation of Billiards have submitted a bid to win a spot on the Tokyo program.

The sports previously planned to seek inclusion in the 2024 Olympics, but decided to push for 2020 after the IOC passed a resolution in December that allows Tokyo organizers to request the addition of one or more sports.

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson says “snooker has grown at unprecedented levels in recent times and it has been our belief for some time that we should be given our chance on the ultimate global platform for sport.”

Baseball and softball, which were dropped after the 2008 Beijing Games, are considered favourites for inclusion in Tokyo. Squash is also lobbying for a spot.

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