The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship is set to return to Saudi Arabia, featuring an innovative twist with the introduction of a golden ball. Players will have the opportunity to win a remarkable £785,000 for successfully potting this unique 23rd ball during the three-day event, which begins on March 15, 2024. This prize eclipses the £500,000 awarded to the winner of the World Championship and has heightened excitement among snooker fans and competitors alike.
A host of prominent players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Zhao Xintong, Judd Trump, and others, are competing in this high-stakes tournament. The introduction of the golden ball has generated considerable anticipation, as it adds a layer of complexity and competition to the traditional game of snooker.
Understanding the Golden Ball’s Role
The golden ball will be positioned on the baulk cushion at the start of each frame, aligned with the brown spot. It remains on the table if a player manages to achieve a maximum break of 147. Once the possibility of reaching this maximum is no longer viable, the golden ball is removed until the next frame begins.
Valued at 20 points, the golden ball can only be targeted after completing a 147 break. Successfully potting this ball would result in a record-breaking total of 167 points, allowing a player to secure both the historic achievement and the substantial cash prize of £785,000.
Potential Challenges and Rules
Players must exercise caution when attempting to pot the golden ball. If a player erroneously strikes the golden ball before their target ball, or pots it prematurely during the frame, they will incur a four-point penalty. This new element introduces a strategic challenge, as players navigate the risks associated with this lucrative opportunity.
There remains some debate regarding the official recognition of a 167 break. The traditional regulations do not account for the additional scoring layer introduced by the golden ball, which may affect its acceptance in official records.
Interestingly, players have the chance to benefit financially from the golden ball regardless of who pots it first. Each player who successfully pots the golden ball during the tournament will receive the full £785,000 prize, ensuring that multiple competitors can share in the glory of this rare achievement.
As the competition unfolds, expectations are high for thrilling matches and historic moments that could redefine the landscape of professional snooker. The stage is set for an exhilarating event where the stakes are higher than ever before, and the world’s top players will strive to leave their mark in snooker history.
