Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh has announced a significant change to the prize money structure for achieving a 167-break at the upcoming Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker.
Following the conclusion of the inaugural tournament, won by Ronnie O’Sullivan, who earned £250,000, it was noted that none of the players, including O’Sullivan, managed to pocket the elusive ‘Golden Ball’ worth $500,000.
Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment, declared that for the next event, the prize money for the Golden Ball achievement will be doubled to $1 million.
The golden ball
Players who can complete a maximum of 147 and then pot the golden ball, are expected to win a reward of $500,000 in the inaugural season of the Riyadh World of Snooker. For as long as the player has the chance to finish a maximum, the golden ball– amounting to 20 points– is positioned on the top cushion during the frame, and will be removed when the opportunity passes.
For Luca Brecel this is an exciting change. He says it’s a big prize and well, it’s going to be very difficult but it is a nice challenge.
Jude Trump, a former world champion, is enjoying the challenge as well. He says it is something cool.
Brecel is also happy to see that the sport is expanding to other countries, especially following the announcement of Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, which will become the ‘fourth major.’
Cover Photo: Wikipedia
Link: Sportsbible