Ronnie O’Sullivan, a prominent name in the world of snooker, is gearing up for what could be a historic moment in the sport. Scheduled for December 18-20, 2023, the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship is set to feature a remarkable $1 million Golden Ball maximum break incentive. This comes a staggering 27 years after O’Sullivan achieved what many consider the greatest 147 break in snooker history by potting 36 golden balls. The upcoming tournament not only promises thrilling snooker action but also offers the largest prize in the sport’s history.
The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship will take place in Boulevard City, Saudi Arabia, and will host the top 10 players in the world along with two local wild cards. This tournament marks the third major snooker event held in Saudi Arabia since March, signaling the increasing popularity and investment in the sport within the region. O’Sullivan, the defending champion, stands to earn a significant portion of the prize pool, with the ultimate winner taking home £250,000. However, the spotlight is firmly on the opportunity to carve out a new chapter in snooker history by achieving a maximum break score of 167.
The Golden Ball, a novelty addition to the game, plays a crucial role in this record-setting endeavor. Positioned as the 37th ball on the baulk cushion, it carries a hefty bonus of 20 points, which is added after the completion of a traditional 147 break. This means that achieving the unique double of winning the tournament and nailing the maximum break could see a player walk away with an unprecedented £1,038,291, more than double the £500,000 that Kyren Wilson pocketed for winning the World Championship back in May.
The importance of the Golden Ball is amplified by its potential implications. Not only would it boost a player’s earnings drastically, but it would also serve as a landmark achievement, especially given O’Sullivan’s established prowess in the game. He holds the record for 15 maximum breaks, the most recent being at the English Open in 2018 against Allan Taylor. Yet, with the prize money for achieving a break of 167 considerably increased from $500,000 (£390,000), players will be intensely focused on both the greatness of the title and the financial rewards associated with the maximum break.
During the previous tournament, four-time world champion John Higgins came tantalizingly close to achieving the Golden Ball feat, falling short at a score of 120 before missing the yellow ball. His near success only adds to the narrative surrounding the upcoming championships, fostering excitement and anticipation among fans and competitors alike. Higgins’ near miss offers a glimpse of how challenging yet rewarding reaching the maximum can be.
As the tournament unfolds, O’Sullivan will commence his quest against Ding Junhui or Shaun Murphy, while world No. 1 Judd Trump will face Mark Williams in a rematch. Trump recently triumphed over Williams in a nail-biting finish during the Saudi Arabia Masters, winning 10-9, which adds an extra layer of rivalry and intrigue to their matchup. The overall lineup promises electrifying encounters and nail-biting snooker action, with viewers eager to see who will step up to the challenge.
The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship is set to be a cornerstone event for snooker enthusiasts around the globe. With the allure of the Golden Ball maximum break and a staggering prize pool, it poses an intriguing question: who will rise to the occasion and seize the glory? The excitement surrounding this event underscores a flourishing era for snooker, as it grows in popularity and engages an ever-expanding audience in new regions of the world. Fans can catch all the action live on Webpressnews and discovery+, ensuring that the thrilling moments in this prestigious tournament are shared with audiences everywhere.
