LONDON: The first World Snooker Tour event to be held in Saudi Arabia will feature a new golden ball worth 20 points.
Known as the “Riyadh Season Ball,” it will allow players on a maximum break to aim for a total of 167.
It is as yet unclear whether the new 23rd ball will be present throughout the game — and if so, what penalty might be applied for hitting it early — or introduced at 147, though aside from this, the rules will remain the same.
The event, set to be held for three days from March 4, will feature world champion Luca Brecel, 2019 winner Judd Trump and seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, along with seven other players.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting our first-ever professional snooker tournament in the Kingdom. Snooker is watched and played by millions around the world, and we look forward to welcoming some of the greatest players and snooker fans to our country and showing them what Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Season has to offer.”
World Snooker Tour Chairman Steve Dawson said: “This is a huge breakthrough for snooker into a new territory, and we see this as the beginning of a new adventure for our sport in the region.”
Sports promoter Eddie Hearn posted on X: “Major news for snooker … as we confirm the first major TV tournament in Saudi Arabia! The Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker will feature the top eight players in the world with two wildcards and $1m prize pool! March 4-6 let’s go!”
Golden ‘Riyadh Season Ball’ to feature at first Saudi World Snooker Tour event
https://arab.news/94y5k
Golden ‘Riyadh Season Ball’ to feature at first Saudi World Snooker Tour event
- New ball will be worth 20 points, allowing for maximum break of 147
- Event in March will include champions such as Luca Brecel, Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan
AlUla Trail Race 2026 opens for runner registration
- Open to beginners and experienced athletes worldwide
- Distances from 1.6km to 100km for children and adults
ALULA: Registration has now opened for the AlUla Trail Race to be held on Jan. 22 and 23 next year.
The contest offers local and international participants a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla, located in Madinah.
According to a Saudi Press Agency report on Wednesday, the race is open to beginners and experienced runners.
The series includes a Kids Run (1.6 km) for children aged 5 to 12, Sunset Run (3 km) for those 13 and above, and a 10 km and 23 km for more experienced participants.
There are also demanding 50 km and 100 km ultra trail races for the most resilient and skilled runners. All routes will end in Old Town, ensuring an exciting finish for both runners and spectators.
On the first day, runners will arrive to collect their race packs before taking part in the Kids Run and the Sunset Run. Race kits can be collected at the event village, which will be located at the amphitheater in Old Town.
Day two will host the competitive distances, beginning at sunrise with the 100 km, followed by the 50 km, 23 km, and 10 km. Medal ceremonies will take place throughout the day as runners cross the finish line.
The organizers said every participant will receive an official AlUla Trail Race 2026 pack, including a tote bag, buff, race T-shirt, timing chip, and bib number. Entry fees begin at SR100 ($26) and SR50 for children.
The contest is a part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar, a year-round schedule of events and festivals designed to promote the area as a premier destination for tourism, sports, culture, and heritage.
Other world-class sports events include the professional cycling AlUla Tour, AlUla Desert Polo, and the Al-Fursan Endurance AlUla — one of the most prestigious endurance races on the equestrian calendar.
