What is the Golden Ball at the World Masters of Snooker and how much is it worth?
SAUDI ARABIA’S World Masters of Snooker has sparked controversy within the sport – and the new ‘golden ball’ has got many people talking.
Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, English icon Judd Trump and 2023 world champion Luca Brecel are just some of the names who will take part in the tournament in Riyadh in March.
But to further raise the competition’s profile, organizers have announced that a 23rd ‘golden ball’ will be available for players to reach during a match.
What is snooker’s ‘golden ball’ and how much is it worth?
The organizers of the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker have confirmed that a 23rd ball will be available for players who have a maximum break of 147.
It will be worth a whopping 20 points, bringing that particular player’s score to 167 – which would set a world record.
The ball cannot be pocketed until all other balls have been successfully removed from the table.
Each frame starts with the Golden Ball on the beam pad at the brown spot.
If a player accidentally pockets or hits the gold ball early in the frame before hitting the object ball, it is a four-point foul.
The Golden Ball remains on the table as long as it is possible for a player to make a 147.
If a maximum is no longer possible, the Golden Ball will be removed from the table by the referee until the next frame.
If a player makes a 147, he gets the chance to pocket the Golden Ball to score 20 extra points and complete a unique break of 167.
The first player to do this wins $500,000 (£400,000).
What has been said?
Snooker fans are angry about the change to the traditional format, but Ronnie O’Sullivan was more concerned about the prize money for creating this unique 167 break.
The Rocket said: “What’s the price for a 167? Have they announced it? I’m sure it’ll be a hefty price.”
“Listen, the Saudis can just do whatever they want. They are a powerful outfit.
“Every other sport seems to be doing things in Saudi Arabia, so it will be great to go out there.”
When is the Riyadh World Masters of Snooker season?
The controversial tournament starts Monday March 4.
And the Riyadh World Masters of Snooker season comes to a close Wednesday March 6.
Eurosport will have full coverage in Britain, although session times are yet to be confirmed.
Boulevard Arena in the capital of Riyadh is the chosen venue for this event and can accommodate approximately 26,000 fans.
The total prize pool for the tournament is $1 million (approximately £790,000), although the breakdown has also yet to be announced.