Snooker’s ‘golden ball’ set for debut – what is it and how does it get potted?
The 23rd ball will make its debut at the World Masters of Snooker in Riyadh.
Snooker becomes the latest sport to head to Saudi Arabia this week and with it comes a new twist – the golden ball.
The 23rd ball will make its debut at the World Masters of Snooker in Riyadh, which runs through to Wednesday, and here, the PA news agency looks at how it will all work.
What is the golden ball?
Traditionally snooker has comprised of 22 balls; 15 reds and six colours plus the white cue ball, but the World Masters is introducing a 23rd – the golden ball. The purpose of this new ball is to increase the maximum possible break which currently stands at 147 – 15 reds followed by 15 blacks. Should any player make a maximum, the golden ball comes into play with a value of 20 points, giving rise to the possibility of a 167.
Where will the ball be on the table?
What’s the prize and how likely is it to happen?
Which players are involved?
O’Sullivan, the world number one and the sport’s greatest of all time, heads a stellar field of the world’s top 10 players who will contest for the trophy alongside two wild cards, Omar Alajlani and Ali Alobaidli.
