Professional snooker is poised to make waves as it ventures into uncharted territory with the inaugural World Masters of Snooker event scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia. The historic tournament, slated for March 4-6 at Boulevard City in Riyadh, promises to be a landmark moment in the sport’s illustrious history, with a star-studded lineup headlined by reigning world champion Luca Brecel, world No. 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan, and German Masters titleholder Judd Trump set to grace the green baize.
The eight-player field is brimming with anticipation as snooker enthusiasts eagerly await the spectacle that is set to unfold in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital. Mark Williams and Ali Carter have the distinction of kicking off proceedings with their opening matches against two local wildcards, setting the stage for a captivating showcase of skill and talent.
The format of the World Masters of Snooker event promises intense competition, with four quarter-finals slated for Tuesday followed by the semi-finals and final on Wednesday, ensuring fans are treated to a thrilling climax to the tournament.
Carter’s inclusion in the event comes on the heels of Zhang Anda’s narrow defeat to Mark Allen in the final of the Players Championship, securing the final spot in the prestigious lineup and adding further intrigue to the competition.
Adding a unique twist to proceedings, the event will feature a groundbreaking innovation in the form of the “Riyadh Season ball,” a 23rd ball worth 20 points. This innovative addition to the traditional snooker format adds an element of excitement, as players vie for the opportunity to pot the elusive ball and potentially alter the course of a match, particularly if a player manages to compile a maximum break of 147.
The World Snooker Tour (WST) has also unveiled plans for a “fourth major” event later this year in Saudi Arabia, boasting a staggering prize pot exceeding £2 million. The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, slated for August 31 to September 7, will serve as a world ranking event, welcoming all 128 WST players alongside six local wildcards from the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning presence on the global snooker stage.
As the world of snooker embraces new horizons and ventures into unexplored territories, the World Masters of Snooker heralds a new era of opportunity and excitement, promising fans a glimpse into the future of the sport while celebrating its rich heritage and tradition.
WORLD MASTERS OF SNOOKER QUALIFIERS
- Ronnie O’Sullivan
- Judd Trump
- Mark Allen
- Luca Brecel
- Mark Selby
- Shaun Murphy
- Mark Williams
- Ali Carter
- WORLD MASTERS OF SNOOKER QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
- Luca Brecel v Ali Carter/wild card
- Mark Allen v Mark Selby
- Judd Trump v Shaun Murphy
- Ronnie O’Sullivan v Mark Williams/wild card