August 29th 2024.
Earlier this year, snooker fans were treated to an exciting event as Ronnie O'Sullivan emerged as the victorious winner at the World Masters of Snooker in Riyadh. And now, the stage is set for yet another thrilling tournament as the Saudi Arabia Masters kicks off on Friday. This is no ordinary event, as the players will be competing for a prize money equal to that of the World Championship, making it a significant moment in the history of the sport.
The snooker calendar has always been dynamic, with tournaments coming and going, and the World Championship being the only constant piece of the puzzle, standing tall as the pinnacle of the season. In recent years, the Masters and the UK Championship have been recognized alongside the World Championship as the Triple Crown, although it is widely known that the Crucible remains the most prestigious event in the sport.
Now, the Triple Crown has taken a new shape, with the addition of the Saudi Arabia Masters being labeled as the "Fourth Major" by the governing bodies. This title has not been well-received by some, as this will be the first time the tournament is held. However, there is no denying the importance of this event, with its massive prize fund immediately establishing it as a top-tier competition.
For players, this is a huge opportunity, both financially and for their careers. With the ranking system being based on the money list, it is impossible to ignore the significance of a tournament offering a whopping £500,000 to the winner, the same amount Kyren Wilson received for his triumph at the World Championship in May. This event is also significant for the sport as a whole, as it marks one of the biggest events no longer being held in the traditional home of the UK.
While winning the World Championship remains the ultimate goal for players, the potential financial gain of other tournaments is now on par. The World Snooker Tour is aiming to expand the sport globally in the coming years, with the UK still dominating the calendar but slowly losing its stronghold. The World Grand Prix is expected to move to Hong Kong this year, and there will be more tournaments in China compared to last season. The Saudi Arabia Masters will now be joined by the invitational World Masters of Snooker, and there are plans for more events in the Middle East, with a potential event in Qatar in 2025.
The Middle East is becoming an increasingly targeted market for snooker, and its popularity is growing rapidly. WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson stated that the sport is highly respected and well-established in the region, with connections to an academy in the UAE and working with Abu Dhabi on the Q Tour. This sentiment was echoed by world number two Mark Allen, who revealed a conversation he had with a professional from the UAE, Mohamed Shehab, who is pushing for expansion in the area.
For players, a move to a different part of the world, particularly in events backed by immense wealth, means adapting to different cultures. Allen recalls an unexpected delay in his match at the World Masters of Snooker in Riyadh earlier this year, the first time the sport ventured into Saudi Arabia. He shared that despite this delay, they were well taken care of and had a positive experience overall. However, he also noted that there were certain cultural differences, such as a sudden change in the color of the carpet just before their match was about to start. This resulted in a delay, but as players, they were grateful for the opportunity to compete in a new event with a significant prize money.
Fellow player Mark Selby also experienced the same carpet change and shared that the organizers had the freedom to do as they pleased, given the amount of money invested in the tournament. However, there were also some challenges, such as the sparse crowd and movement during shots, which may have affected the players' performance. Allen mentioned that despite seeming empty on television, the arena felt more crowded in person. These are all factors that players must adapt to, as the sport continues to expand globally.
Ronnie O'Sullivan secured another victory in his impressive snooker career by winning the World Masters in Riyadh earlier this year. However, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Saudi Arabia Masters, set to begin this Friday. This tournament offers a winner's prize equivalent to that of the World Championship, making it a significant event in the history of the sport.
The snooker calendar has always been subject to change, with tournaments coming and going and fluctuating in importance. The World Championship has remained a reliable cornerstone, standing tall as the pinnacle of the season. In recent years, the Masters and UK Championship have been elevated to the same level as the World Championship, forming the coveted Triple Crown. However, these events are still not considered to be on par with the grandeur of the Crucible.
The Triple Crown title has now been redefined, with the addition of the Saudi Arabia Masters as the "Fourth Major" by the governing bodies of the sport. Despite some objections due to its inaugural status, the enormous prize fund and prestige of the tournament in Riyadh have cemented its importance in the snooker world. Even for those who may not be swayed by the allure of money, the fact that the tournament offers the same prize as the World Championship cannot be ignored.
This marks a significant shift in the sport, as one of the biggest events is no longer held in its traditional home of the UK. While winning the World Championship remains the ultimate achievement, the financial gains are now on par with those in the Middle East. The World Snooker Tour has expressed its intentions to expand the game globally, with the UK maintaining its dominant position on the calendar but gradually making way for other destinations.
The World Grand Prix is likely to move to Hong Kong this year, and there are more tournaments planned in China compared to the previous season. In addition, there will be two events in Saudi Arabia, with the invitational World Masters of Snooker also scheduled to take place. It seems that there is more to come, as Barry Hearn has hinted at a potential event in Qatar in 2025, highlighting the growing popularity of snooker in the Middle East.
WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson shared that the sport is highly regarded in the Middle East, not just in Saudi Arabia. The connections and partnerships with academies and organizations in countries like the UAE have been established for many years, showcasing the sport's prominence and respect in the region. Mark Allen, currently ranked number two in the world, revealed a conversation he had with a professional player from the UAE, Mohamed Shehab, who is eager to promote snooker in the Middle East.
Allen shared that Shehab hopes to secure big sponsors and host more tournaments in places like Qatar or Dubai. This would be a game-changer for players, as the potential for significant financial gains is immense. With a move to different parts of the world, the players will encounter new and diverse cultures, adding another layer of complexity to their performances.
Allen fondly recalled his experience at the World Masters of Snooker in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, where they were treated with great hospitality. However, he also noted the differences in culture, such as a delay in his match due to the carpet's color not being to the organizers' liking. This resulted in a 40-minute delay, but the players were grateful for the opportunity to compete in another prestigious event with a substantial prize pool.
Mark Selby, another top-ranked player, also shared a similar experience with the carpet change and emphasized the organizers' financial backing. The sparse crowd and movements during shots were also a concern for players, who must adapt to different sporting cultures. However, they are excited for the upcoming Saudi Arabia Masters and the potential for more events in the region. As the sport continues to expand globally, it remains to be seen what changes lie ahead for the World Championship and its iconic venue, the Crucible.
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