Ronnie O’Sullivan Competes in £100,000 Snooker Tournament with Bold New Rules
Ronnie O’Sullivan, the legendary snooker player, has confirmed his participation in the inaugural Global Snooker 900 Championships. This new event is set to take place in Reading just days after the World Snooker Championship wraps up.
About the Global Snooker 900 Championships
The Global Snooker 900 Championships will run from May 12 to May 17, offering an impressive prize pool of £100,000. The tournament format includes 20 players, featuring several former world champions.
- Event Dates: May 12-17
- Prize Pool: £100,000
- Number of Players: 20 (including a qualifier under 18)
- O’Sullivan’s Age: 50
O’Sullivan is looking to make an impact in the tournament after the World Championship concludes on May 4 in Sheffield, where he aims for his eighth title. He will enter the Global Snooker 900 Championships at the quarter-final stage on May 15.
Unique Tournament Rules
This event introduces several bold new rules aimed at enhancing the competitive experience:
- Frames will last no longer than 15 minutes (900 seconds).
- There is ball in hand for a foul.
- A 20-second shot clock is in effect.
Players and Promotions
The tournament will feature notable players, including:
- Shaun Murphy
- Stuart Bingham
- Jimmy White
- Joe Perry
- Alfie Burden
Jason Francis, O’Sullivan’s manager and the creator of the Snooker Legends brand, emphasizes that the tournament aims to provide opportunities for players at all levels, including juniors and those with disabilities. O’Sullivan and White are also committed to mentoring aspiring talents.
The Global Snooker 900 Championships will be available for viewing on streaming platform Pluto TV. This follows the successful launch of the Crucible Cup in November, where veteran player Stephen Hendry made a noteworthy return to competitive snooker.
As O’Sullivan prepares for this innovative tournament, he remains a prominent figure in the world of snooker, regardless of his recent challenge at the UK Championship.
