Huge prize fund confirmed for Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters
Ronnie O’Sullivan reigned in Riyadh earlier this year (Photo credit: Martin Rickett/PA/Alamy)
A total prize fund of £2.3 million will be on offer at the 2024 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, rivalling that of the World Championship.
The world ranking event will take place in Riyadh from August 30 to September 7 and will feature 144 players competing for a staggering £500,000 top prize.
The winner’s cheque is equal to that of the World Championship, while a further £50,000 bonus is on offer for a 147 maximum break.
The event will also count towards a potential £147,000 bonus – which will be awarded to any player who makes two maximum breaks across the UK Championship, Masters and World Championship and Saudi Arabia Masters.
Former World Champion Neil Robertson will be among the star-studded field in Riyadh and said: “We need to break into new territories. Saudi Arabia is investing in sport to help inspire its young population to get active and lead healthy lives and it’s great that snooker is now part of this strategy.
“We are getting more tournaments, with more prize money, more ranking points and earning opportunities for all of the tour. The fact that all the players will be out in Saudi Arabia from round one is pretty exciting.
“I can’t think of too many tournaments where we have done that before. I’m looking forward to that and I’m sure they aren’t going to spare any expense making sure it is a great experience for everyone.”
Snooker’s first venture into Saudi Arabia saw Ronnie O’Sullivan storm to glory at the World Masters back in March, pocketing the £250,000 top prize by winning just 13 frames across three matches.
The event featured a new 20-point gold ball dubbed the “Riyadh Season ball”, which could only be potted after a player had completed a maximum break of 147 to extend the break to 167.
It is understood the golden ball will not be retained for the new ranking event this autumn, which comes as part of a ten-year deal and has been dubbed snooker’s ‘fourth major’.
Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters 2024 Prize Fund
Winner: £500,000
Runner-up: £200,000
Semi-finals: £100,000
Quarter-finals: £50,000
Last 16: £30,000
Last 32: £20,000
Last 48: £11,000
Last 80: £7,000
Last 112: £4,000
Last 144: £2,000
147 break bonus: £50,000
Total £2,302,000