Saudi Arabia to host Ranking Event

McManusFan wrote:I hope they do put the worlds pot up, it really feels wrong it not being the most important tournament.

I also wonder what the format will be, the draw makes it sound a bit like the UK championship of old, but I didn't see anything about frame length. Hopefully they are decent sized matches.

SnookerFan wrote:

McManusFan wrote:I hope they do put the worlds pot up, it really feels wrong it not being the most important tournament.

I also wonder what the format will be, the draw makes it sound a bit like the UK championship of old, but I didn't see anything about frame length. Hopefully they are decent sized matches.

Shootout rules.

McManusFan wrote:I hope they do put the worlds pot up, it really feels wrong it not being the most important tournament.

I also wonder what the format will be, the draw makes it sound a bit like the UK championship of old, but I didn't see anything about frame length. Hopefully they are decent sized matches.

Wildey wrote:

McManusFan wrote:I hope they do put the worlds pot up, it really feels wrong it not being the most important tournament.

I also wonder what the format will be, the draw makes it sound a bit like the UK championship of old, but I didn't see anything about frame length. Hopefully they are decent sized matches.

its a 7 day event with 128 players and 127 Matches so probably best of 7s like the Home Nations

Wildey wrote:whatever we say about Barry he has bring in the Cash at fantastic rate


Saudi never held a Snooker event before and BANG £2,500,000 off the bat

McManusFan wrote:

Wildey wrote:

McManusFan wrote:I hope they do put the worlds pot up, it really feels wrong it not being the most important tournament.

I also wonder what the format will be, the draw makes it sound a bit like the UK championship of old, but I didn't see anything about frame length. Hopefully they are decent sized matches.

its a 7 day event with 128 players and 127 Matches so probably best of 7s like the Home Nations

That sounds grim. I suppose they might play some qualifiers in Barnsley, which might give a little more time for the later stages at least. Best of 7s for that much money really doesn't seem on.

KrazeeEyezKilla wrote:Given the tiered draw there will probably be best of 11's.

It might be a controversial event.

Pink Ball wrote:Boycott the bucking thing

GeF wrote:I hope Reanne wins a spot in Q School in order to see if she have to play with a burka.

Pink Ball wrote:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FaXYIT5FE0

I think this is a terrible decision. this seems to indicate money is all that matters. That is not a modern approach. FIFA, IAAF and IOC have got lots of criticism for granting events to countries such as Qatar that have serious internal issues with hundreds dying in sports-related construction works, for instance. There are people boycotting events held in countries such as Saudi Arabia. Sport federations can't ignore these ethical issues any more. With this decision, snooker doesn't even aim to be a front runner; instead it sticks to the old ways. Compare: betting sponsors: World Snooker doesn't even seem to be trying to reduce its dependence on bookmakers although more and more people see the betting industry in a negative light and lawmakers are creating more and more restrictions. World Snooker seems to completely ignore what is happening in the outside world and it could lead them to big troubles. If it really is a ten-year deal, I am puzzled. What's more, the money is unproportionate and the ranking list is losing its significance (it is reflecting the abilities and performances of the players less and less well). The increased prize money for the Shoot-Out is another factor having the same effect, the invitational rankers another. The money is already too top-heavy and these mad winner's prizes don't help the situation at all. I think a return to a points-based list could be a good move although I'm afraid that won't happen. When it comes to the tiered draw, both approaches have their pros and cons but now the situation is very contradictory with Hearn advocating for a 'level' structure but adding all the time more and more seeding/tiered structure. Money seems to overthrow principles. In other words, I don't like the news. What's positive, though, is that all the rounds are played at the venue - all players are treated equally instead of holding the qualifiers in the UK, giving the British players a major advantage. This is definitely a step in the right direction but I'm afraid that's the only positive thing in the event.

it will be interesting to see whether there will be a proper crowd. As far as I'm aware, snooker is seriously popular in Iran and in some other nearby countries so there is some potential but I'm not sure which countries have a friendly relationship with Saudi Arabia and which don't. There were two competing blocs, I think..?