The Macau Snooker Masters will coincide with Christmas Day later this year, according to reports online.
The eight-player invitational tournament will start on December 25th and run for five days at the luxury five-star Wynn Palace in Macau.
World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan is among the competitors invited to take part in what is likely going to be a lucrative outing for the participants involved.
O’Sullivan was photographed at a launch event for the official announcement of the tournament on Wednesday alongside Judd Trump, Jack Lisowski, Marco Fu, and Si Jiahui.
According to SinoSports on Twitter, Ding Junhui, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Williams have additionally been given invitations to compete.
Many fans were taken aback by the scheduled dates, questioning why players would want to sacrifice their family time to play in a tournament over the Christmas period.
But in reply to one comment, three-time former world champion Williams said that he’s definitely going.
Mark Allen, who accrued the most money of anyone from ranking events last term, was less pleased about the news.
“Sounds like a great event. Can’t wait to take part,” the Pistol quipped in typically sarcastic fashion before adding that he’s “still waiting on my invite.”
World champion Luca Brecel, Crucible runner-up Mark Selby, Australian Neil Robertson, and four-time world champion John Higgins are among the other high-profile players seemingly not involved.
There was previously a Macau Masters on the calendar in 2018, co-sanctioned by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association and the China Billiards and Snooker Association.
Incorporating the six reds format, Barry Hawkins defeated Williams in the singles final and also triumphed in a team event alongside Ryan Day, Zhao Xintong, and Zhou Yuelong at the JW Marriott Hotel.
However, the 2023 Macau Snooker Masters – boasting a top prize of £150,000 – will not be an official tournament on the World Snooker Tour calendar.
Featured photo credit: WST
