In the middle of a calendar void, Worldsnooker has announced the line-up for the 2019 Paul Hunter Classic, or at least for whatever remains of it, and it’s not much …
Kyren Wilson will be defending his title against top stars including Barry Hawkins and Shaun Murphy at next month’s Paul Hunter Classic.
The tournament will be an invitation event this year featuring professional and amateur players. The line-up is:
Kyren Wilson
Shaun Murphy
Barry Hawkins
David Gilbert
Luca Brecel
Mark King
Joe Perry
Matthew Selt
Ken Doherty
Dominic Dale
Matthew Stevens
Michael Holt
Ryan Davies
Florian Nüssle
Ben Mertens
(Plus one player who comes through a qualifying event)The tournament runs on the weekend of August 24-25 at the Stadthalle venue in the town of Fürth near Nuremburg in Germany. Tickets are available, for details CLICK HERE
That’s all that remains from what once was the best pro-am in the calendar and a true festival of snooker bringing pros, amateurs and fans together. By making it ranking, Worldsnooker has taken away the spirit and soul of the event, by not funding it properly, they have as good as killed it …
TBH, I would be surprised if it still exists next season. And with the European Masters also in doubt – it’s still unconfirmed, its slot in the calendar has been voided, and rumours amonsts the players is that it will not be held – it’s the whole mainland Europe leg that is in jeopardy. The German Masters still stands, as do the Riga Masters and the Gibraltar Open but for how long? Considering the very low prize money the latter two are doomed as well IMO.
Hats off and thank you to the top players who will play in it. I hope that the fans will come and support you.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 
Spot on. It’s a shame loved competing there to maybe qualify and play a pro.
Few years ago needed 3 wins to play my idol Ronnie.
Only won 1 but still just to have a shotay it is amazing.
Now the complete setup and meaning of this tournament is gone…