THE Riyadh Season Snooker Championship is scheduled for THIS WEEK, showcasing some of the top players from around the world.

Initially held in March, this significant tournament in Saudi Arabia was first called the World Masters of Snooker.

Ronnie O'Sullivan is expected to feature in Riyadh

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Ronnie O’Sullivan is expected to compete in RiyadhCredit: Getty

Sporting legend Ronnie O’Sullivan defeated Luca Brecel with a score of 5-2 to claim the title along with a prize of £250,000.

The Rocket will once more vie against nine other elite players.

To finalize the 12-player roster in Riyadh, two additional wildcards will be introduced.

The distinctive Golden Ball, worth 20 points and only potable after a 147 break, will be in play again, giving players a chance to achieve a score of 167 – the record for the highest break in snooker.

If a player successfully executes that extraordinary 167 break, a remarkable reward of $1 million (£792,000) will be theirs.

When is the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship 2024?

  • The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship 2024 commences on Wednesday, December 18.
  • The event will run until Friday, December 20.
  • It will take place at Boulevard City, Riyadh.

What TV channel will broadcast the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship and is it available for live streaming?

  • The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship will be aired LIVE on DAZN.
  • This significant event will be accessible for free viewing around the globe.

Riyadh Season Snooker Championship 2024 schedule

Wednesday, December 18

Round 1

  • M1 – Ding Junhui 4-0 Abdulraouf Saigh
  • M2 – Zhang Anda 4-0 Ahmed Aseeri

Round 2

  • M3 – Shaun Murphy 0-4 Ding Junhui
  • M4 – Luca Brecel 4-0 Zhang Anda

Thursday, December 19

Quarter-finals

  • M5 – Mark Selby 2-4 Mark Allen
  • M6 – Kyren Wilson 3-4 Luca Brecel
  • M7 – Judd Trump 3-4 Mark Williams
  • M8 – Ronnie O’Sullivan 4-0 Ding Junhui

Friday, December 20

Semi-finals (Afternoon)

  • M9 – Mark Williams vs Luca Brecel
  • M10 – Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Mark Allen

Final

  • Winner of M9 vs Winner of M10 (7pm)

What has been communicated?

As we look forward to the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh expressed: “We are excited to host the forthcoming Riyadh Season Snooker Championship after the fantastic success of our inaugural event earlier this year.

“The interest in snooker continues to rise in Saudi Arabia. Fans are eager to see the world’s best players, and we can’t wait to welcome them back in December.”

WST Chairman Steve Dawson noted: “We are thrilled to maintain our partnership with HE Turki Alalshikh and to host this event as part of the incredible Riyadh Season for the second consecutive year in 2024.

“This year, we have made substantial strides in our development initiatives in Saudi Arabia, which is remarkable to observe as snooker swiftly gains popularity in this region and attracts a new audience.

“There is immense motivation for the players in the upcoming weeks to secure a place in the top ten and ensure their participation in what promises to be an amazing three days of top-tier competition.

“We hope to see one of them pot the Gold Ball and make history!”