July 14th 2024.
The excitement and thrill of big-time snooker is back on our screens as the Shanghai Masters kicks off on Monday. Last year's defending champion, Ronnie O'Sullivan, is set to make a grand entrance once again as he aims for his fifth consecutive win in the event. Known as "The Rocket", O'Sullivan has dominated the tournament for the past four years and is the clear favorite to continue his streak.
But with the world's top 16 players in the mix, there are plenty of contenders who are capable of stopping O'Sullivan, even in one of his favorite events. This non-ranking tournament may not have official ranking points, but the prize money and prestige that comes with winning it make it a highly coveted title. It's the perfect opportunity for players to kick off the season in style.
For those wondering when the Shanghai Masters will take place, mark your calendars for July 15-21. The first matches will begin bright and early at 2:30am UK time on Monday. Fans can expect a thrilling start as players like Zhang Anda, Ali Carter, and Mark Williams take on their opponents in the opening matches.
And the excitement doesn't stop there. The following days will see top players like Judd Trump, Ding Junhui, and Kyren Wilson in action. The quarter-finals will take place on Thursday, followed by the semi-finals and the highly anticipated final on Sunday.
For those looking to catch the action, the tournament will be broadcasted live in the UK on Eurosport and Discovery+. As for the prize money, the winner will take home a whopping £210,000, with the runner-up receiving £105,000.
As the event approaches, the odds are in favor of O'Sullivan, with 5/2 odds of winning. But with players like Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Allen close behind, anything can happen in the competitive world of snooker.
Looking back at previous winners, O'Sullivan's name dominates the list as he won the non-ranking event in 2018, 2019, and 2023, and the ranking event in 2009. Other notable winners include Ding Junhui, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby.
The stage is set for an intense and thrilling week of snooker as the Shanghai Masters takes over our screens. Will O'Sullivan continue his winning streak or will a new champion emerge? Tune in to find out.
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