Ronnie O’Sullivan is headlining a Saudi snooker match which can function a brand new ball value 20 factors.
The World Snooker Tour have struck a controversial cope with Saudi Arabian chiefs to go to the Middle East for an invitational occasion from March 4-6. It will probably be performed underneath their guidelines.
But it is going to additionally provide gamers the chance to realize a 167 break if on a most due to the ‘Riyadh Season gold ball’. As effectively as O’Sullivan, Judd Trump and reigning world champion Luca Brecel have been confirmed as contributors.
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The 10-player discipline is ready to be made up of the highest eight on the planet rankings in addition to two wildcards, who’re to be confirmed. Its announcement wasn’t effectively acquired by followers.
One reacted: “Terrible, TERRIBLE idea!” Another commented: “Golden ball – what a nonsense!” With a 3rd echoing: “All for the game growing but a 167?? Nonsense that.”
How you do you’re feeling about snooker heading to Saudi? Let us know within the feedback part.
(Image: X/@WeAreWST)
(Image: X/@WeAreWST)
“Oh the dream of making a ‘167’…[clown emoji],” quipped a fourth, whereas a fifth joked: “Can’t wait to see Ronnie hit a 147 then turn down the golden ball.”
And a sixth poked enjoyable on the new idea by reminiscent of British daytime sport present Golden Balls, writing: “Jasper Carrott coming out into the arena when Ronnie’s just made his 16th maximum.”
(Image: VCG through Getty Images)
Chairman of the World Snooker Tour Steve Dawson, in addition to Matchoom’s Eddie and Barry Hearn, have been pictured alongside Turki Alalshikh and Faisal Bafarat of the Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority as they sealed the deal.
Eddie, whose additionally taken boxing to the Gulf state, added there will be a $1million (£787k) prize pool. Trump was readily available to present his ideas after progressing on the World Grand Prix, saying: “It’s amazing for snooker to be going to different places.
“It was amazing to go back to China. The expansion, we are seeing snooker in new territories with exhibitions popping up in different places, and it is amazing that Saudi Arabia wants to get involved.”