The world of snooker is set to witness an extraordinary event this month as the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship returns to Boulevard City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 18-20, 2024. With a lucrative prize pool and a unique twist to the traditional format, the event promises excitement and historic moments for players and fans alike.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship will feature the top 10 players from the World Snooker Tour, based on their rankings as of December 1, 2024. Among the big names expected to compete is the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan, who captured victory during the inaugural edition of this event earlier in the year. His remarkable consistency and flair make him a strong contender to defend his crown.
Other leading names in the mix include snooker giants like Judd Trump, Mark Selby, and Neil Robertson, each vying for the prestigious title and substantial prize money. The event is widely regarded as a showcase of snooker’s best talent on one of its grandest stages.
The Golden Ball Innovation
What sets the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship apart is the introduction of the “Golden Ball,” a thrilling innovation that offers players a chance to secure an additional 20 points. The Golden Ball only comes into play after a 147 maximum break, snooker’s most coveted achievement. If successfully potted, the Golden Ball will not only add to the player’s score but also unlock a massive bonus of £800,000.
With the tournament winner already set to pocket a whopping £250,000, the inclusion of the Golden Ball means the total earnings for a single player could exceed an incredible £1 million. This feature brings an added layer of suspense to the championship and raises the stakes like never before.
Promoting Snooker in Saudi Arabia
The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship is part of the broader Riyadh Season, an annual entertainment festival designed to promote sports, culture, and tourism in Saudi Arabia. The inclusion of snooker in such a high-profile festival reflects the sport’s growing popularity in the Middle East.
By attracting the biggest stars and offering one of the largest prize pools in snooker history, the event aims to inspire a new generation of players and fans in the region.
What to Expect
Fans can expect a thrilling three days of world-class snooker, where precision, nerve, and strategy will be on full display. With the potential for history to be made through the Golden Ball, the tension will be higher than ever before.
For players, the Riyadh event represents more than just a chance to claim glory — it’s an opportunity to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Key Details
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Event Name: Riyadh Season Snooker Championship
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Dates: December 18-20, 2024
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Location: Boulevard City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Top Prize: £250,000 (with an additional £800,000 Golden Ball bonus)
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Notable Players: Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, and more.
As the countdown to December 18 begins, all eyes will be on Riyadh to see who will rise to the occasion and, perhaps, achieve snooker immortality with the Golden Ball. For snooker enthusiasts around the world, this is an event not to be missed!