Riyadh, February 13, 2024, The Ministry of Sport has unveiled plans for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host two editions of the World Pool and Snooker Masters Championships, under the auspices of the Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation, marking the inception of a decade-long partnership commencing in 2024. This historic initiative will witness the participation of elite international players.
The agreement was formalized through the signing ceremony between Dr. Nasser Al-Shammari, President of the Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation, and Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Corporation.
As per the terms of the agreement, the Kingdom will host the World (9-Ball) Billiard Championship from June 3-8, 2024, in Jeddah. The championship will feature a stellar lineup of top-tier pool players, including World Champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, five-time US Open title holder and 2022 World Champion Shane Van Boening, and 2018 World Champion Joshua Feller. The event boasts a record prize pool of $600,000.
Moreover, the Saudi edition of the Snooker Masters is scheduled to take place in Riyadh from August 31 to September 7, showcasing the world's leading professionals as the official Fourth Grand Slam Four. With a total prize pool of £2 million, it ranks as the second most lucrative event on the 2024 World Snooker Tour schedule.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), lauded the generous support from the leadership towards the sports sector, underscoring its pivotal role in driving the nation's renaissance and prosperity.
"We are thrilled to host two new sporting extravaganzas as part of the Kingdom's diverse portfolio of international championships, reinforcing our status as a global hub for sports and athletes across various disciplines," stated Prince Abdulaziz. He further emphasized the strategic advancement of the sports sector in alignment with the objectives of Vision 2030, emphasizing its significant contribution to economic growth and overall development.
The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters Championship is poised to be a global spectacle, attracting 128 players, including six professionals from the Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation. These initiatives are integral components of a comprehensive series aligned with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.
