Snooker is the latest sport to get a foothold in Saudi Arabia, with a first TV event in the country which includes a 20-point golden ball for any player completing a 147.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, current world champion Luca Brecel and Judd Trump have signed up to the event which will take place from March 4-6.
The World Snooker Tour said matches would follow the usual format bar what they described as a 23rd ball — the Riyadh Season ball — which anyone making a 147 can attempt, meaning a 167 break is possible. It is not clear whether the golden ball will be on the table during play.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting our first-ever pro snooker tournament.
“Snooker is watched and played by millions around the world and we look forward to welcoming some of the greatest players to our country.”
It is the latest sporting investment by Saudi Arabia, which will host Anthony Joshua’s next fight, against Francis Ngannou, and Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in the same week as the snooker event.
The Riyadh Season World Masters comes with a prize pot of $1million (£788,000) for the eight players who will take part.
