World Masters of Snooker: 2024 draw, schedule, results, how to watch

The inaugural Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker commences on Monday with the top ten players from the world rankings in the draw.

The action at the Boulevard Arena will mark the World Snooker Tour’s first foray into the lucrative Saudi Arabian market.

A non-ranking event, the World Masters of Snooker will offer a champion’s cheque equal to that awarded at the UK Championship and the Masters.

Who will play in the World Masters of Snooker?

The top ten from the official world rankings list have been invited to compete at Boulevard City in Riyadh.

It had initially been the top eight, but two extra places from the rankings were added on the eve of the tournament.

The lineup will be headed by world number one Ronnie O’Sullivan and world champion Luca Brecel.

Judd Trump, Mark Allen, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams, Ali Carter, Ding Junhui, and John Higgins are the other professionals in attendances.

There are additionally two wildcards in the 12-player event, with Saudi’s Omar Alajlani joined by Qatari Ali Alobaidli.

What is the format?

The late additions of Ding Junhui and John Higgins will first face off against the two wildcards, with the winners to encounter Mark Williams and Ali Carter in another preliminary round.

Two from those six will advance to the quarter-finals where they’ll join the top six seeds.

All matches before the final will be the best of seven frames, with the title-deciding showdown then increasing to the best of nine frames.

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World Masters of Snooker prize money

Champion: £250,000
Runner-up: £125,000
Semi-Finals: £75,000
Quarter-Finals: £50,000
Last 10: £25,000
Last 12: £5,000
167 break: $500,000

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How does the golden ball work?

An unusual gimmick at this year’s World Masters of Snooker will see a golden ball on the table at the start of a frame.

The new ball, worth 20 points, will be placed in the middle of the baulk cushion and can only be potted at the end of a 147 break.

When a break of 167 is still possible, the golden ball will be a live addition that can lead to fouls if an infringement is made.

However, the ball is removed from the table as soon as a 167 is not possible.

A mammoth jackpot bonus worth $500,000 is being offered to the first player who can compile a 167 break in the event.

Who is in the World Masters of Snooker draw?

The top six players from the world rankings have all been seeded through to the quarter-finals.

The remaining six will face off in staggered preliminary rounds before completing the last eight lineup.

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World Masters of Snooker draw

Last 12 (bo7)

Ding Junhui 4-0 Omar Alajlani

John Higgins 4-0 Ali Alobaidli

Last 10 (bo7)

Ali Carter 4-3 Ding Junhui

Mark Williams 2-4 John Higgins

Quarter-Finals (bo7)

Luca Brecel 4-1 Ali Carter

Mark Allen 4-3 Mark Selby

Judd Trump 4-3 Shaun Murphy

Ronnie O’Sullivan 4-0 John Higgins

Semi-Finals (bo7)

Luca Brecel 4-2 Mark Allen

Judd Trump 1-4 Ronnie O’Sullivan

Final (bo9)

Luca Brecel 2-5 Ronnie O’Sullivan

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How to watch the World Masters of Snooker?

Live coverage of the tournament will be available on Eurosport and discovery+.

It is also being shown worldwide on DAZN, while a full list of broadcasters below.

Worldwide
DAZN
Europe (including UK and Ireland)
Eurosport, discovery+ and Eurosport App
China
Migu
Huya.com
Hong Kong China
Now TV
Malaysia
Astro SuperSport
Thailand
True Vision
Taiwan
Sportcast
Philippines
Premier Sports Network
Indonesia
Sportstars / Vision+
Myanmar
SkyNet
Cambodia
Hang Meas
Middle East / North Africa
MBC Action
MBC Egypt
Saudi Sport
webook
Shahid