Victory gives Selby a welcome boost going into the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign, and also assures him of a place in the Champion of Champions later this year. The world number five lifted his first trophy since the WST Classic a year ago, and lands the BetVictor Championship League crown for the first time.
Having finished second in the group table earlier in the day, Selby saw off Stuart Bingham 3-0 in the semi-finals. O’Connor scored a fine 3-0 success against defending champion John Higgins, setting up a local derby in the final at the Morningside Arena in Leicester.
O’Connor, seeking his first pro title, came from 55-0 down to snatch the opening frame on the colours. Selby hit back with breaks of 74 and 137 to lead 2-1, then got the better of a scrappy fourth frame to secure the silverware.
He said: “Over the two days, I scored when I got chances so overall I’m happy with my game. It was a tough group with great players in. Joe had done brilliantly to get here and he played some great stuff to reach the final today. It was nice to get the win, but if there was anyone who I was to lose to I would have been chuffed for Joe.”
Selby will join Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Allen, Gary Wilson and more in the Champion of Champions. More information on the event including ticket information and venue will be published in due course.
Congratulations Mark Selby!
It’s not been a great season so far for Mark and quite understandably so considering what is family is going through and Vikki’s illness. I’m happy for Mark and I sincerely hope that everything will be fine soon for the whole family. The surprise man of the event though has been Joe O’Connor and, IMO, it’s only a matter of time before he wins a professional tournament.
Valdislav Gradinari in the 2024 Under-16 EBSA Champion
The 2024 EBSA tournaments are currently underway in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Under-16 competition already concluded with Vladislav Gradinari beating Riley Powell in the final.
Congratulations Vladislav!
Here are some images shared by WPBSA on X (Twitter)
Bai Yulu has won the 2024 Under-21 Women Snooker World Championship
She defeated Narucha Phoemphul from Thailand by 3-0 to win the World Women’s Under-21 Snooker Championship for the first time!
Congratulations Bai Yulu!
WWS on X (Twitter) posted this:
The 20-year-old hit breaks of 57 and 35 to earn victory and claim the biggest Under-21 crown in women’s snooker. Bai spoke with national and international media during her post-match media conference, with the trophy presentation to take place on Sunday alongside the main event closing ceremony.
Tessa Davidson has won the 2024 Seniors Women World Championship
This was shared by WWS on X (Twitter)
Congratulations to England’s Tessa Davidson who has defeated Han Fang 3-1 to win the World Women’s Seniors Snooker Championship for the second time in three years in Dongguan Changping. The trophy presentation will take place as part of the main ceremony.
We have a few days without major snooker action before an extremely busy next week. But, of course, there is news…
One of the events taking place next week is the 2024 Q-Tour Global Playoffs. The draw is out:
Q Tour Global Play-Off | Draw & Preview
The draw has been made for the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) Q Tour Global Play-Off, where 24 players will compete for three two-year World Snooker Tour cards.
The prestigious event will be held alongside the EBSA European Championships in Bosnia & Herzegovina from 13-15 March 2024.
The 2023/24 WPBSA Q Tour season saw the tour go global for the first time by incorporating series’ in the Middle East, Americas and Asia-Pacific region alongside the UK/Europe series which has been held since 2021/22. Cueists from across the globe have been competing all year to earn a coveted spot in the Global Play-Off.
View the full qualification criteria. (Please note that due to the Asia-Pacific qualifiers being unable to attend the event for personal reasons, these places have been awarded to the next highest-ranked from the UK/Europe series).
The 24 players have been split into three sections of eight and the player coming through each section successfully will earn their place on the World Snooker Tour from the 2024/25 season.
Play-Off 1
Quarter-Finals (Best of 9 Frames)
Liam Davies (Wales) vs. Peter Devlin (England)
Hamim Hussain (England) vs. Rory McLeod (Jamaica)
Duane Jones (Wales) vs. Vito Puopolo (Canada)
Florian Nuessle (Austria) vs. Craig Steadman (England)
Semi-Finals (Best of 11 Frames)
L Davies/Devlin vs. Hussain/McLeod
Jones/Puopolo vs. Nuessle/Steadman
Final (Best of 19 Frames)
Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2
Liam Davies, the top ranked player in the play-off from the UK/Europe series, is the top seed in the first section as he kicks off his event his with a difficult encounter against former professional Peter Devlin, who secured his place in the play-off as a benefactor of withdrawals from the Asia-Pacific series.
Veteran former professionals Rory McLeod and Craig Steadman are among the other big names to feature in a high-quality section.
McLeod, who famously defeated Judd Trump at the Crucible Theatre in 2017, faces 22-year-old Hamim Hussain the first round while Steadman meets Austrian national champion Florian Nuessle in the opening best-of-nine frame contest.
The line up is completed by Welsh former professional Duane Jones, who begins his campaign against Americas event one winner Vito Puopolo, who has previously competed in the 2023 World Seniors Championship at the Crucible Theatre.
Play-Off 2
Quarter-Finals (Best of 9 Frames)
Peter Lines (England) vs. Tyler Rees (Wales)
Chris Totten (Scotland) vs. Iulian Boiko (Ukraine)
Barry Pinches (England) vs. Steven Hallworth (England)
Amir Sarkhosh (Iran) vs. Harvey Chandler (England)
Semi-Finals (Best of 11 Frames)
Lines/Rees vs. Totten/Boiko
Pinches/Hallworth vs. Sarkhosh/Chandler
Final (Best of 19 Frames)
Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2
The second section of the draw sees six former professionals aiming to regain their main tour status in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
There are two first round meetings between cueists who have previous plied their trade on the main tour, with Scotland’s Chris Totten and Ukraine’s Iulian Boiko facing off while the veteran Barry Pinches kicks off his campaign against the recent English Amateur champion Steven Hallworth
Elsewhere, the recent UK/Europe event seven winner Peter Lines takes on 25-year old Welshman Tyler Rees and double Middle East event champion Amir Sarkhosh faces Harvey Chandler as the Iranian looks to secure professional status for the first time in his career.
Play-Off 3
Quarter-Finals (Best of 9 Frames)
Umut Dikme (Germany) vs. Ryan Davies (England)
Mohamed Shehab (United Arab Emirates) vs. Daniel Womersley (England)
Alfie Davies (Wales) vs. Yu Kiu Chang (Hong Kong China)
Hasanain Khalid Alsultani (USA) vs. Antoni Kowalski (Poland)
Semi-Finals (Best of 11 Frames)
Dikme/R Davies vs. Shehab/Womersley
A Davies/Yu vs. Alsultani/Kowalski
Final (Best of 19 Frames)
Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2
Four Q Tour event winners from across the globe battle it out in the third section of the play-off draw.
There is a meeting of champions in the opening round as Americas event two winner Hasanain Khalid Alsultani and UK/Europe event four winner Antoni Kowalski meet in a best-of-nine frame contest.
Mohamed Shehab, winner of the third event in the Middle East, will face recent WSF Championship semi-finalist Daniel Womersley in an intriguing opening round tie while Alfie Davies, the son of former professional Anthony Davies, kicks off his event against Hong Kong China’s Yu Kiu Chang as he aims to follow in his father’s footsteps and earn professional status.
Another fascinating opening round contest sees German Umut Dikme, the UK/Europe event three winner, face English Under-21 champion Ryan Davies.
WPBSA Qualifiers Announced for 2024 Cazoo World Championship
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and World Snooker Tour are pleased to confirm the qualification criteria for the 16 amateur players who have secured their places at the 2024 Cazoo World Snooker Championship in Sheffield in April.
The qualifying rounds will take place at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield from 8-17 April to determine who will join the world’s elite top 16 ranked players at the Crucible Theatre.
Joining all professionals ranked outside the top 16, following the 2024 Johnstone’s Paint Tour Championship, and top-ups from the 2023 Q School Order of Merit will be 16 leading amateur players who have earned their place at the event courtesy of their achievements at recognised international events across the season.
These include our recent champions at the World Snooker Federation Championship in Albania, the winner of the upcoming World Women’s Snooker Championship to be staged in China next week, and the WPBSA Q Tour Global, expanded for this season.
Jason Ferguson, WPBSA Chairman said: “We are excited to be able to announce another formidable line-up of WPBSA qualifiers who will join the field for this year’s professional World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.”
“Last year we saw fantastic wins for our qualifiers including Liam Davies, Stan Moody, Iulian Boiko and many more, and I have no doubt that this year’s players will also make their mark on our most recognisable tournament.”
“Amateur snooker continues to go from strength to strength as our recognised WPBSA Group pathways around the world continue to mature and deliver elite talent to the World Snooker Tour. Only last month we witnessed fantastic performances from Hong Kong China’s Ka Wai Cheung and Hungary’s Bulcsú Révész at the WSF Championship in Albania to earn their Tour places for the first time, while Michael Holt has also secured his return after two years away after winning the UK/Europe WPBSA Q Tour.”
“The WPBSA’s vision, is to inspire and reward. Through the development of global pathways, snooker is now a sport where an athlete can go from amateur status to world champion and global sports star in a matter of months. The opportunities are there, the only criteria are achievement.”
“I would like to wish our 16 players every success in Sheffield as they stand just four wins away from a place at the iconic Crucible Theatre in April!”
Oliver Sykes – 2024 WSF Junior Championship Semi-Finalist
Hamza Ilyas – 2024 WSF Junior Championship Semi-Finalist
TBC – 2024 EBSA Under-18 European Championship Winner
TBC – 2024 EBSA Under-21 European Championship Winner
TBC – Q Tour UK/Europe Ranking List (subject to Playoff Result)
All players selected will appear subject to acceptance of their place and any travel restrictions in place. Any replacement players for these 16 places will be selected from a reserve list to include performances at World Snooker Federation, Q Tour and recognised regional events.
Any current professional players who do not enter the tournament will be replaced from the 2023 Q School Order of Merit.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has ‘arm twisted’ to play Tour Championship as he sets out Crucible preparation
Phil Haigh
Ronnie O’Sullivan says his sponsors have twisted his arm to play in the Tour Championship next month, meaning he has two more tournaments to play before the World Championship gets underway in April.
The Rocket won the first ever World Masters of Snooker in Riyadh on Wednesday night, beating Luca Brecel 5-2 in the final and claiming the huge £250,000 first prize.
It was the fifth title of an incredible season for the 48-year-old who will be going into the World Championship this season as the favourite to lift the trophy for a record eighth time.
The world number one is not slowing down, though, heading to Yushan, China next week for the World Open, starting on 18 March then is back in the UK for the Tour Championship, getting underway on 1 April in Manchester.
O’Sullivan suggested he would have happily skipped the Tour Championship, though, but his sponsors convinced him to play the 12-man event in Manchester.
‘I’m going to keep playing, keep enjoying it,’ O’Sullivan told WST in Riyadh. ‘I go to China next week which I’m looking forward to.
‘It’s a tournament that I’m geared up to do well in, with this and China, then obviously the one in Manchester because my sponsors have twisted my arm to say, look we want you to do well in it, it would mean a lot to us.
Ronnie O’Sullivan beat John Higgins, Judd Trump and Luca Brecel in Riyadh (Picture: Zhai Zheng @zhaizhengqd)
‘So for the next four tournaments [including the Saudi event] I’m really going to give it 100 per cent because sponsors and all the backing that they’ve put in for these events.’
WST is excited to announce a pioneering five-year partnership with global sports giant Castore. The relationship will see Castore become the Official Technical Partner of the World Snooker Tour until 2029.
Castore, whose current partners include McLaren F1, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Athletic Bilbao, Rangers FC and many more were placed second on the Sunday Times list of the UK’s fastest growing companies in 2023.
As official technical partner, Castore will work with WST and in consultation with the players to develop performance garments to be worn at selected events over the five-year period. The two events to feature Castore technical wear this season will be the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker 4-6th March and the World Mixed Doubles taking place at Manchester Central 30-31st March.
A main objective of the partnership will be to develop the innovation and technical performance elements of the sport, whilst respecting its unique heritage.
The partnership will also see the launch of a brand-new online store, with a range of exclusive products to be developed in the coming seasons.
WST and Castore are committed to continuing the evolution of the sport as its popularity and global appeal continues to grow, through providing industry leading technical wear and retail experience for its players and fans.
More details on events in the 2024/25 season which will feature Castore technical wear will be announced over the summer.
Peter Wright – Chief Commercial Officer – World Snooker Tour
“We are really pleased to be able to announce such an innovative and exciting new chapter for the sport in collaboration with Castore. Their rapid rise as a business is inspiring and ties in with our current resurgence and long-term ambitions for the game. We can’t wait to work with the players to develop technical wear which will allow them to continue to excel in their performances and attract a new audience to the sport. We have also listened to fans comments about our retail offering, and we know working with Castore will elevate this to a whole new level”
Sam Lucas – Chief Sports Marketing Officer – Castore
“We are thrilled to announce our latest partnership with World Snooker Tour. The collaboration marks Castore’s first venture intothe world of Snookeras we continue our multi-sport expansion, and the relationshipcomes atan exciting time for the highly respected sport. We look forward to joining forces with World Snooker Tourand being a part of an exciting future ahead for Snooker fans.”
Tom Rowell – Chief Marketing and Communications Officer – World Snooker Tour
“Snooker has a clear and distinct style which is globally recognised, the aim with this partnership is to evolve without losing our heritage. The idea is to adapt the attire for the events that already have a more relaxed dress code, we are sure this will enable players to carry on with the continual improvement in the standard of play and high scoring which fans love”
Shaun Murphy, world number six and Player Director of the WPBSA Governance Board
“I have spoken for many years, on behalf of the players, about the necessity for us as a sport to examine our dress code and consider how it affects our performance in the arena, without forgetting our heritage and the importance of keeping traditions for certain historic events.
“This new partnership with Castore is a fantastic development as it will allow us to create new garments which look modern and help maximise performance. I look forward to working in consultation with the Castore team and the players on this process.”
Judd Trump, world number two
“It’s something I’ve been trying to get into the game for nearly ten years now, so it is nice it is finally coming in. Snooker is really heading in the right direction now.
“I think it is good for the fans, there has never been that merchandise that there is in other sports, it makes it exciting
“I certainly feel in the events we do have a more relaxed dress code it certainly helps, just having the freedom. It is exciting for snooker to be heading in this direction”
Mark Allen, world number three
“I think it is important to try and move with the times, if they keep the majors the same and traditional and experiment with the rest that is a good way forward.
“I think it is important the players will get a chance to practice in it and give feedback. It is good WST are trying new things and hopefully a sign of things to come”
Hopefully there will be a few more “joyful” colours and designs on offer too. I like the old waistcoats and Gary Wilson’s ones. If really this is part of an attempt to attract the youth … don’t be so serious!
Neil Robertson and Mink Nutcharut will defend their World Mixed Doubles title when the unique tournament comes to Manchester Central next month.
…
Showcasing snooker as one of the few major sports where men and women can compete together on an equal footing, the two-day event runs on the weekend of March 30th and 31st. It features four teams, each with one man and one woman.
The draw for the event has been made and the teams are:
Defending champions Neil Robertson and Mink Nutcharut
World number two Judd Trump and current World Women’s Champion Baipat Siripaporn
World Champion Luca Brecel and 12-time World Women’s Champion Reanne Evans
World number three Mark Allen and women’s world number four Rebecca Kenna
The event was staged for the first time last season, with Robertson and Nutcharut beating Kenna and Mark Selby in the final. The format sees all teams facing each other once in the group stage, before the top two go through to the final.
The event will have extensive live television coverage from ITV and a range of broadcasters worldwide.
WST’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Tom Rowell said: “This event is a fabulous innovation, it brings variety to our tour and helps give our four women professional players the chance to shine on the big stage.
“Last season’s inaugural Mixed Doubles was a great success. Perhaps the highlight was Mink Nutcharut’s 74 clearance at a crucial moment in the group stage. That video alone has 9 million views on our Facebook page, helping us as a fully inclusive sport to reach out to new fans and inspire the younger generation to get involved with snooker.
“We have an exceptional venue this time, Manchester Central which is in the heart of one of the UK’s biggest cities, and we are expecting the arena to be packed in every session. This is a great opportunity for fans to see the biggest names playing in an exciting format, and also for families to come along and introduce children to snooker.”
Yesterday evening, Neil Robertson won the CLS Group 4 – Report by WST
Neil Robertson’s form continued to trend in the right direction, after claiming victory with a 3-2 defeat of Kyren Wilson in Group 4 final at the Championship League Snooker Invitational in Leicester.
Wilson, who had reached the play-offs by defeating Robertson earlier in the group, beat John Higgins 3-1 in the semi-final. Robertson earned his place in the final thanks to a 3-0 win over Barry Hawkins.
The Thunder from Down Under fired in a break of 54 in the decider against Wilson to secure victory and his place in the Winners’ Group.
After experiencing a dry spell of form across the year, group victory comes at the perfect time for Robertson heading into the business end of the season.
“I think with some of the matches I’ve played this week, I’ve been unplayable at times. The long balls have been absolutely fantastic and I’ve changed my approach a little as to how I’m playing them,” said Robertson.
“I’m going back to how I used to play many years ago. I’ve been backing myself to hit the centre of the white and my long potting has never been better, with my scoring fantastic as well.
“Barry (Hawkins) only had maybe five shots in the semi-final, while Kyren (Wilson) and I threw the kitchen sink at each other. The last frame was unbelievable, he just tried to do a bit too much with the safety shot and I could make a good 50 break.
“When you get to the final and you’ve already played a couple of groups, you want to advance to the Winners’ Group so it’s nice to head back to Cambridge and get a bit of practice in before the Welsh Open.”
Group 5 gets underway from 11am on Friday, with Joe Perry, Fan Zhengyi and David Gilbert joining the competition. Fans are able to view the action on Matchroom.live in the United Kingdom.
Neil seems to be back, close to his best. His confidence certainly is back. 😂
It was obvious that Mark Selby was struggling badly at times during the last month. Now, he has opened up about the difficulties his family is facing (report by WST).
SELBY REVEALS WIFE VIKKI’S CANCER SCARE
Mark Selby admits he was “completely blown apart” when wife Vikki was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, though thankfully she is now recovering.
In an interview with the Metro, four-time World Champion Selby reveals that the couple found out in January 2023 that Vikki had cancer. She had a course of radiotherapy, and the results of recent tests have given them optimism.
“She had a mammogram and ultrasound a few weeks ago and that all looked good,” said 40-year-old Selby. “They gave her an MRI as well and we’re waiting on the results of that. Fingers crossed that comes back ok and then it’s another year until we get a scan again.
“‘She’s been stronger than me throughout it, for sure. When it was first announced I was completely blown apart. Obviously with how my mental health was before anyway, that multiplied it. She’s been the one supporting me! It should be the other way round, but people say that, it always seems to be the person going through it that’s the strongest.
“Vikki was going through radiotherapy while I was playing at the Crucible so in a way it did take my focus off the tournament. I was playing and thinking, ‘If I get beat, so what?’ I said to Vikki that I wanted to be with her going through the radiotherapy but she was saying, ‘Look it’s only 20 minutes every day.’ I wanted to be there to support her, going through it, but she wanted me to play.”
It has been an awful time for the family as Vikki’s best friend Nina Webb passed away from the same disease last month at the age of just 44. Inevitably these circumstances have tested Selby’s own mental health, which he bravely spoke about two years ago.
The world number five said this week: “I’m always going to get lapses. When I was working with the doctor, who’s helped me no end, he said it will never go away, you will get moments when it comes back, it’s just about dealing with them. I know how to deal with them better now. I used to switch myself off, lock myself away and not do anything. I thought that was the right thing, but I actually needed to do the opposite.
“Playing does help because it gives me a purpose, I’m doing it for Vikki and [daughter] Sofia, to put food on the table, so I’ve got a drive to keep going for them.”
I’m wishing Vikki and the whole family the best possible outcome and a long future together. I have met Vikki several times, she’s a kind but very strong lady. She’s the pilar of the family.
Sometimes when a player underperforms, fans are quick to accuse them of laziness, or worse, of cheating. We do not know what they live through privately, we should remember that. And, because they are kind of “public figures” doesn’t give us a right to know everything private happening to them. We should always respect their privacy and refrain from judging.
I have just learned that one of my snooker friends, John Mc Bride, is terminally ill. He’s suffering from pancreatic cancer. He has got months to live, at best. He too has a family, a wife, Cathy, and two young sons. One of their friends has set up a fundraising to help the family facing the medical costs.
Finally, the 2024 WSF Championship continues today, with the round of 64. You can follow the event here. There is also one table streamed on the WPBSA Youtube channel.
Also, starting today, is the 2024 CLS Group 5. I’m not sure why the above article states that you can watch it on Matchroom.live “in the UK”. I can watch it in Greece as well … with a subscription of course.
WST Adds New China Event To 2024-25 Calendar With Inaugural Xi’an Grand Prix
The World Snooker Tour’s successful return to China will be strengthened during the 2024/25 season with the new Xi’an Grand Prix world ranking event.
Staged under a new multi-year agreement with the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association and Shaanxi Sports Industry Group Limited, the tournament will be the first ever WST event in the historic city of Xi’an in China’s Shaanxi Province.
Running from August 19-25 in its inaugural year, the Xi’an Grand Prix will have total prize money of £850,000 and a top prize of £177,000, with the prize money to increase in subsequent years to £875,000 and then £900,000.
Xi’an, which has a population of 13 million, is the capital of the Shaanxi Province in central China. It is renowned as the furthest eastern point of the Silk Road trade route which dates back over 2,000 years. Xi’an was also the capital of a series of ancient dynasties and is home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. These days, Xi’an is celebrated as the cultural, financial and educational centre of the region.
“This is fantastic news for our players and fans as we continue our global development and particularly our presence in China. During the 2023/24 season we have been able to stage events in mainland China for the first time since 2019 and this return has been a great success, with three world ranking events as well as one invitation tournament, and a fabulous reception from our friends and partners in the cities we have visited.”
Steve Dawson
WST Chairman
Dawson added: “We are thrilled and excited to announce a new event and to be heading for the first time to the fascinating location of Xi’an, with its remarkable history and culture. The local fans will have the chance to see their heroes play live. And for the players this is another opportunity to experience a new location, while competing and earning a high level of prize money.
“Our particular thanks go to the CBSA for their long term dedication to growing our sport throughout China, and to Shaanxi Sports Industry Group Limited. We look forward to working with them closely on the first Xi’an Grand Prix and to a successful long term partnership.”
WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: “The WPBSA is delighted to see this new event added to the World Snooker Tour. This is a stunning destination and a significant major ranking event which will benefit our full playing membership. On behalf of our players and officials, I must express our thanks to all our partners, both at WST and in China.”
Provisional dates for further events in China during the 2024/25 season are:
Shanghai Masters: July (dates TBC) Xi’an Grand Prix qualifiers: July 25-28 Xi’an Grand Prix: August 19-25 Wuhan Open qualifiers: August 26–28 International Championship qualifiers: October 1–4 Wuhan Open: October 7-13 International Championship: November 3-10 World Open qualifiers: December 16–19 World Open: March 3-9
Whilst the qualifiers for the 2024 Welsh Open are under way, WPBSa has published some important information regarding the qualifying routes leading to tour cards for next season.
The World Snooker Federation (WSF) Championships take place at the Grand Blue Fafa Resort in Golem, Albania between 29 January and 11 February 2024.
The winners of both the WSF Junior Championship and WSF Championship will earn two-year tour cards for the World Snooker Tour from the start of the 2024/25 season.
Please find important information about the events below:
WSF JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
The tournament, won last year by Stan Moody, takes place between 29 January and 2 February.
The provisional format for both competitions is as follows:
All group matches will be the best of 5 frames.
The top two players in each group will progress to the knockout rounds
All knockout rounds up to and including the semi-finals will be the best of 7 frames.
The final will be the best of 9 frames.
VENUE
Both events will take place at Grand Blue Fafa Resort in Golem, Albania. The full address for the venue can be found below:
Grand Blue Fafa Resort Rruga Kompleksit 1000 Golem Albania
CONTACT
Should you have any questions or concerns then you can contact us directly via our website or social media platforms.
In total 211 players have entered the main event which is quite impressive. All the names you would expect to find there, and more, are in, including Tony Knowles 😮. Maybe less expected is Luo Hong Hao. I wonder if he will be able to make it this time.
There are some women in the main draw too, most notably On Yee and So Man Yan from Hong Kong. It probably helps that there is a Women Snooker event, the 2024 Albanian Women’s Open, happening at the same dates, at the same venue.
Qualification Criteria Set For Q Tour Global Play-Off
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) is pleased to confirm how the field of 24 players for this season’s newly relaunched Global Q Tour Play-Off will be completed.
The prestigious event will be held alongside the EBSA European Championships in Bosnia & Herzegovina from 13-15 March 2024 and for the first time will see three places on the World Snooker Tour from the start of the 2024/25 season contested
It can now be confirmed that 18 players from the Q Tour UK/Europe Rankings will qualify for the playoff, an increase of two from the minimum of 16 previously announced at the start of the season.
They will be joined by two players from each of the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Americas series’ who will complete the 24-player line-up in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With events still to be played across the globe, there is still plenty to play for. Here is a round-up of the current state of play:
Success in the three of the six Q Tour UK/Europe events already held this season means that Michael Holt has an unassailable lead at the top of the rankings and has already secured his World Snooker Tour card for the 2024/25 season.
There is still plenty to play for, however, with 18 places at the Global Play-Off available for those ranked 2nd to 19th.
Previous event winners Liam Davies, Umut Dikme and Antoni Kowalski are automatically guaranteed qualification, but for players further down the list, it will no doubt be a nervy weekend in Leeds as just 1,000 points separate the players ranked between 11th and 28th in the current ranking list.
Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh dominated the first two events of the Middle East series, winning back-to-back events in January with final victories over Habib Humood (4-0) and Mohamed Shehab (4-3) to secure his place at the Global Play-Off regardless of what happened in the third event.
A first round exit for Sarkhosh in event three meant there would be a new winner in Abu Dhabi and it was Shehab, who had led 3-0 at one stage in the final of event two before being defeated by the Iranian, who made amends by beating Yazan Alhaddad in the final and securing the second available spot in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Canadian Vito Puopolo currently sits in poll position in the Americas ranking list following a victory in the first event in Toronto.
Puopolo, who played at the Crucible Theatre in last year’s World Seniors Championship, beat Matt Fifield, Charlie Brown and Alan Whitfield to set up a final with fellow countryman Jason Williams.
He had dropped just a single frame en route to the final and Puopolo was once again dominant in the title match, storming into a 4-0 lead and ultimately overcoming Williams 5-1 to secure the event one crown.
Puopolo and Williams currently sit in the qualifying places for the Global Play-Off but with events still to come in the USA and Brazil, it remains all to play for.
It remains tight at the top of the Q Tour Asia-Pacific ranking list with the top two places being held by players who picked up maximum points in one of the two events held so far, and zero points in the other.
Event one took place in New Zealand in September and October and it was Rob Redgrove who defeated Adam Shaw in a final frame decider to secure the event one title and an early lead in the race to Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Former main tour professional Vinnie Calabrese was the champion of the second event, held in Sydney. Calabrese stormed through an impressive field of 111 players to lift the title – beating Steve Mifsud 6-3 in the final.
Redgrove and Calabrese currently occupy the top two places in the ranking list, but with the third event still to be played later this week, nobody in this region is yet guaranteed qualification for the Global Play-Off.
Giants of the baize including Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Mark Williams, Shaun Murphy local favourite Mark Selby and defending champion Mark Allen will be in action at the World Grand Prix at the Morningside Arena in Leicester in January.
The prestigious event, with a field of only the best 32 players from the one-year ranking list, will run from January 15 to 21.
…
Player of the season so far Judd Trump gets the tournament underway on the evening of Monday January 15 in a clash with Jamie Jones. The opening round will also see blockbuster battles including John Higgins taking on Shaun Murphy and Mark Allen facing Jack Lisowski.
The full first round schedule is:
Monday January 15
7pm Judd Trump v Jamie Jones Chris Wakelin v Lyu Haotian Followed by Mark Selby v Yuan Sijun Ali Carter v Wu Yize
Tuesday January 16
1pm John Higgins v Shaun Murphy Stephen Maguire v Zhou Yuelong Followed by Gary Wilson v David Gilbert Hossein Vafaei v Matthew Selt
7pm Mark Williams v Thepchaiya Un-Nooh Tom Ford v Jordan Brown Followed by Ronnie O’Sullivan v Pang Junxu Barry Hawkins v Cao Yupeng
Wednesday January 17
1pm Ding Junhui v Ricky Walden Noppon Saengkham v Xiao Guodong Followed by Mark Allen v Jack Lisowski Zhang Anda v Dominic Dale
The World Grand Prix is the first of three events in the 2024 Players Series, to be followed by the Players Championship in Telford in February and the Tour Championship at Manchester Central in April.
Following the massive success of the MrQ UK Championship, World Snooker Tour (WST) is pleased to announce MrQ as the new Lead Partner of The Masters, the sport’s greatest invitation event, to be contested by the best 16 players on the planet.
The MrQ Masters will run from January 7 to 14 at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London. Celebrating the 50th staging of this historic tournament, which was first held in 1975, WST is delighted to join forces with MrQ.com for one of the outstanding events of the global tour.
Popular UK-based online casino MrQ launched in 2018 and established a modern, easy to use platform to provide a fun and transparent customer experience.
MrQ’s first partnership with snooker came at the recent UK Championship in York. The event achieved tremendous viewing figures, with a peak audience of 2.6 million for the final on BBC, and a cumulative audience of 14.3 million across the event on BBC and UK Eurosport.
MrQ has now grasped the opportunity to join forces with WST again for another of snooker’s Triple Crown Series. The MrQ Masters will bring packed crowds to Alexandra Palace, with all standard tickets for the 2,000-seat arena sold out weeks in advance.
Judd Trump will defend the title, in a field full of giants of the baize including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Luca Brecel, Mark Selby, John Higgins, Mark Allen and many more.
MrQ’s Head of Acquisition James Booth said: “We were elated by the success of the MrQ UK Championship, we had not fully appreciated snooker’s vast reach and popularity, in terms of its live and television audience. We look forward to seeing this partnership taken to the next level at the MrQ Masters in London.
“We’re particularly excited about getting involved with the fan experience at Ally Pally, renowned as the best of its kind on the snooker circuit, including interactive games. As always we’ll be bringing an extra element of fun for fans coming for a great day out.”
WST’s Chief Commercial Officer Peter Wright said: “We’re delighted to develop this relationship with MrQ, our lead partner for two of the three Triple Crown events this season. Clearly they were amazed by the incredible atmosphere at the UK Championship and the exceptional data that came out of the event, so naturally they were very motivated to extend their relationship with a rapidly growing sport.
“We can now look forward to the MrQ Masters, which in recent years has increased its appeal to become one of the hottest tickets across London. We look forward to working with the MrQ team on this elite event.”
…
I can’t say I’m thrilled… you know my thoughts about bookies and betting in general. It’s a plague…
The 2024 Championship League Snooker line-up has been revealed on the event site.
This line-up will certainly change, it always does. As it stand Ronnie has entered the event, but in the last Group , Group 7.
This event is not everybody’s cup of tea (coffee for me, please) but I like it because the players usually play with a lot of freedom and it’s often very pleasant to watch.
