https://arab.news/4jx9h
- New ball will be worth 20 points, allowing for maximum break of 147
- Event in March will include champions such as Luca Brecel, Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan
LONDON: The first World Snooker Tour event to be held in Saudi Arabia will feature a new golden ball worth 20 points.
Known as the “Riyadh Season Ball,” it will allow players on a maximum break to aim for a total of 167.
It is as yet unclear whether the new 23rd ball will be present throughout the game — and if so, what penalty might be applied for hitting it early — or introduced at 147, though aside from this, the rules will remain the same.
The event, set to be held for three days from March 4, will feature world champion Luca Brecel, 2019 winner Judd Trump and seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, along with seven other players.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting our first-ever professional snooker tournament in the Kingdom. Snooker is watched and played by millions around the world, and we look forward to welcoming some of the greatest players and snooker fans to our country and showing them what Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Season has to offer.”
World Snooker Tour Chairman Steve Dawson said: “This is a huge breakthrough for snooker into a new territory, and we see this as the beginning of a new adventure for our sport in the region.”
Sports promoter Eddie Hearn posted on X: “Major news for snooker … as we confirm the first major TV tournament in Saudi Arabia! The Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker will feature the top eight players in the world with two wildcards and $1m prize pool! March 4-6 let’s go!”