What is a Gold Ball in snooker and how much is it worth?

3 months ago 24

SAUDI’S World Masters snooker event has already sparked controversy within the sporting industry – and the new Gold Ball is about to do the same thing.

Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, English icon Judd Trump and 2023 world champion are just a few of the names that will participate in the Riyadh tournament during the month of March.

English legend Ronnie O’Sullivan will headline the Saudi tournament[/caption]

But to further raise the profile of the competition, organisers have announced that a ‘Gold Ball’ will be available for players to reach in a match.

And it has left fans wondering what it takes to get the Gold Ball and how much it is worth.

What is a Gold Ball and how much is it worth?

Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker organisers have confirmed that a Gold Ball will be available for players who are on a 147 maximum break.

It will be worth a staggering 20 points which will take that specific player’s score up to 167.

The Gold Ball can only be potted once all other balls have been successfully cleared from the table.

However, the details of whether the ball will be available on the table throughout the frame, or if it will be introduced only after a maximum 147 break has been completed are yet to be revealed.

What has been said?

Snooker fans have been angered with the tweak of the traditional format but Ronnie O’Sullivan was more concerned about the prize money for pulling off this unique 167 break.

The Rocket said: “What’s the prize for a 167? Have they announced it? I’m sure that it will be a hefty prize.

“Listen, the Saudis can just do what they like. They are a powerful outfit.

“Every other sport seems to be doing stuff in Saudi, so it will be great to go out there.”