Snooker chiefs have made an announcement regarding the 2023 World Championship. According to the World Snooker Tour website, from next year all the tournament’s qualifying rounds will be played over the best of 19 frames.
This decision was made based on feedback from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and players to revert back to the previous format. This is significantly longer than matches played over best of 11 frames, which had been the format of recent seasons.
The dates for the qualifying event will be announced at a later date. Also announced was the increase in prize money for several events in 2023.
The winner of the Turkish Open will receive £525,000, while the British Open conqueror will earn £478,000. Those who win the English, Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh Open will secure £427,000, along with the German and European masters.
The breakdowns for remaining events will be announced in due course. Speaking of prize money, world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed he will spend the prize money from his record-equalling seventh world title by purchasing a rigid inflatable boat.
He plans to go to the Lake District and ‘explore’ - while also staying fit enough to compete and elongate his legendary career. “I’m going to do loads of stuff, I’m going to travel,” O’Sullivan said. “I might go to the Lake District, I’ve already got like a house boat up there but I might go and buy a little RIB and explore the lake and just have some fun. I’m just going to be enjoying myself and getting fit as well.”
O’Sullivan ended the season in style by defeating Judd Trump 18-13 in the Crucible final earlier this month. After his triumph the snooker legend opened up on the stress and mental fortitude needed to triumph at The Crucible.
Speaking to Eurosport, O'Sullivan said: "It is really good that everybody is excited by snooker again. Maybe it has taken a little turn and is on the up. It is a long time playing at the World Championship, a lot of stress and I'm just recovering. It is hard work, but it was job done, so worth it."
O'Sullivan continued: "I'm 46 banging on 47 so to know I can still win, it lets me know I could have another five decent years. It is such a long tournament. It is a bit like the Grand Slams in tennis when they play five sets rather than just the three. It is more about lasting the event more than anything."
