THE Riyadh Season Snooker Championship will take place this week!
Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump are amongst the top 10 players in the world rankings set to compete in Saudi Arabia.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is looking to claim back-to-back wins in Saudi Arabia[/caption]
Rocket won the inaugural tournament back in March, which was previously known as World Masters of Snooker.
O’Sullivan beat former world champion Luca Brecel 5-2 in a thrilling final, which saw the snooker legend claim the £250,000 jackpot.
The 12 players competing will be trying ultra hard to become the first player to score a 167 break, with the unique Golden Ball featuring once again in Riyadh.
No player could achieve the unprecedented feat back in March, which has persuaded organisers to DOUBLE the prize money on offer to any player that makes a 167.
But how much is up for grabs overall in Saudi Arabia?
What is the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship 2024 prize money?
A whopping £785,000 will be up for grabs in Saudi Arabia as 12 stars look to land a huge payday.
Here is a full breakdown of the pot:
Winner: £250,000
Runner-up: £125,000
Semi-finals: £75,000
Quarter-finals: £50,000
Round two: £25,000
Round one: £5,000
Total: £785,000
A separate $1MILLION (£792,000) will be awarded to any player who becomes the first to score an extraordinary 167 break.
Organisers have doubled the initial $500,000 they offered at the inaugural tournament back in March.
How can players score a 167?
Like the inaugural tournament in Saudi Arabia, a 23rd ball named the Golden Ball will be available to pot for players who are on a 147 maximum break at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.
It will be worth a staggering 20 points, which will take that specific player’s score up to 167 – which would set a world record.
The ball can only be potted once all other balls have been successfully cleared from the table.
Each frame will begin with the Golden Ball on the baulk cushion level with the brown spot.
If a player accidentally pots the Golden Ball early in the frame or hits it before hitting the object ball, it’s a four-point foul.
The Gold Ball stays on the table as long as it’s possible for a player to make a 147.
If a maximum is no longer possible, the Golden Ball is removed from the table by the referee until the next frame.
If a player makes a 147 he will then have the chance to pot the Gold Ball to score an extra 20 points and complete a unique break of 167.
When is Riyadh Season Snooker Championship 2024?
- Riyadh Season Snooker Championship 2024 will begin on Wednesday, December 18.
- The tournament will run until Friday, December 20.
- Boulevard City, Riyadh, will host.
