World snooker champ Kyren Wilson reckons the introduction of a new $1million “golden ball” shows just how far the sport has come.
Wilson claimed the first Crucible crown of his career in Sheffield last season. And he is buzzing to see the game continue to grow as it expands into the Middle East in what is fast becoming a new hotbed for the green baize. An extra $500,000 (£385,200) in prize money was up for grabs last season, provided the star potters completed a maximum 147 break then putted the golden ball to claim the jackpot.
Now that prize has been doubled in a bid to attract more of the world’s elite players to the ever more popular Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker, which runs 18-20 December in Boulevard City. And Wilson reckons that shows that snooker is in “rude health.” He told the Daily Mirror: “It’s exciting there’s lots of new opportunities. There’s a big snooker following in Qatar and in Saudi Arabia it has already proven to have a good following.
“The Middle East and throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a really important hub for snooker. I hope it grows and grows there, I’ve really enjoyed my time there. They’re prepared to invest in the game, so it’s a really promising future for snooker.”
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Belgium’s Luca Brecel to become the competitions inaugural champ. The ‘Rocket’ pocketed £250,000 for winning and set up a money making snooker academy in Saudi Arabia, and he joined Wilson in throwing his eight behind the competition.
“It has been a fantastic tournament at a brilliant venue and the crowd have been amazing,” said O’Sullivan. All the players enjoyed the culture and hospitality. These are the tournaments I really want to play in, with a great atmosphere. Riyadh Season has a lot of the best sport – everyone needs to get to Saudi!”
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who has played a key role in launching the landmark event and growing snooker in Saudi Arabia, said: “We are looking forward to hosting the next Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, after the great success of our first event earlier this year. The interest in snooker is only getting bigger in Saudi Arabia.
“The fans love to have the best players around the world here and we are excited to have them return in December.”
WST Chairman Steve Dawson added: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with HE Turki Alalshikh and to stage this event as part of the fabulous Riyadh Season for the second time in 2024.
“This year we have made huge strides forward in our development in Saudi Arabia and it is exciting to see snooker growing so fast in this region and attracting a new audience.
“There is huge motivation for the players over the next few weeks to climb into the top ten and guarantee a place in the field at what will be a fantastic three days of the highest quality action. We would love to see one of them pot the Gold Ball and make history!