World Snooker Tour Announces Details About Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters

Change in Start Date and Participant Numbers

The World Snooker Tour (WST) has revealed information about the upcoming Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, marking the first ranking tournament in Saudi Arabia. Scheduled to take place from August 30 to September 7, the event will include 144 participants. The exact format of the tournament has yet to be disclosed, but it is speculated that the top 16 players in the world will secure automatic berths in the finals, with the rest needing to go through qualifying rounds.

Qualification Location for the Event

In a surprising move, the WST has decided to hold the qualification rounds for the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in Saudi Arabia itself, rather than in the UK as traditionally done. This deviation from the norm is specific to this tournament, as other overseas events like the Wuhan Open and Xi’an Grand Prix will stick to the usual qualification process in the UK.

Riyadh Season World Masters Feedback

Earlier this year, the Riyadh Season World Masters received positive feedback despite initial skepticism. Participants praised the amenities and hospitality in Riyadh, with organizers expressing confidence in future events in Saudi Arabia. Notably, the upcoming Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters will see a diverse pool of participants, including top female players such as Bai Yulu and Reanne Evans.

Prize Money and Golden Ball Bonus

With an estimated total prize pool of around $2 million, the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters present a significant opportunity for players to climb the rankings. Additionally, a bonus of $1 million awaits any player who pockets the elusive "golden ball" by achieving a maximum break. While details about the golden ball’s inclusion in the upcoming event remain unconfirmed, anticipation is high for this historic tournament.