Snooker will now be included in Saudi Arabia’s opulent sports campaign, along with a brand-new golden ball.

March will see the first big invitational snooker tournament in Saudi Arabia, a country that is investing heavily in an increasing number of sports.

Matches will be played according to the World Snooker regulations, however a new ball known as the “Riyadh Season” will be used—number 23.
This golden ball has a 20-point value, however it can only be used after a maximum break has been completed.

March will see the first big invitational snooker tournament in Saudi Arabia, a country that is investing heavily in an increasing number of sports.

The “Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker” will be held in Boulevard Arena in Riyadh’s capital from March 4–6.

The world’s best snooker players, including 2019 world champion Judd Trump, 2023 world champion Luca Brecel, and Ronnie O’Sullivan, who is regarded as one of the sport’s most gifted players, will compete in the inaugural event.

Snooker matches, which are played using cue balls similar to billiards and are quite popular in China and the United Kingdom, will follow World Snooker regulations this time around but will include a 23rd ball known as the “Riyadh Season” ball. This golden ball has a 20-point value, however it can only be used after a maximum break has been completed.

The maximum break at the event will now be 167 instead of the customary maximum score of 147, though it is unclear when this ball will be added to the regular table configuration.

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, said, “We are excited to be hosting our first-ever professional snooker tournament in the Kingdom.”

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, said, “We are excited to be holding our first-ever professional snooker tournament in the Kingdom.”

In a statement released on January 18, Alalshikh remarked, “Snooker is watched and played by millions around the world and we look forward to welcoming some of the greatest players and snooker fans to our country and showing them what Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Season has to offer.”

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made unprecedented investments in sports, including tennis, golf, football, Formula One, and boxing.

The monarchy has frequently been charged by critics with “sportswashing,” or exploiting athletics as a cover for violations of human rights in the nation. These allegations have been repeatedly refuted by Saudi officials.

“A substantial award”

Shortly after winning the World Grand Prix title for the third time on Sunday, seven-time world champion O’Sullivan expressed his excitement about competing in Saudi Ar

abia.

A substantial award
Shortly after winning the World Grand Prix title for the third time on Sunday, seven-time world champion O’Sullivan expressed his excitement about competing in Saudi Arabia.

What does a 167 get you? Have they made the announcement? In an interview that was posted on the World Snooker Tour’s YouTube page, O’Sullivan stated. “It will definitely be a sizable prize,”

“Listen, the Saudis are a powerful group; they can do whatever they like,” he continued. I think it will go well, and it would be wonderful to play outside. Since Saudi Arabia seems to be the center of activity for every other sport, getting outside would be fantastic.

Last week, Saudi Arabia’s grandiose intentions to turn its national soccer league into a global hotbed of superstars were derailed.

On Thursday, England international Jordan Henderson decided to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with Dutch team Ajax, abruptly ending his playing career in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.

Many conjectured about the possible harm to the top domestic league in Saudi Arabia following Henderson’s abrupt departure.