RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host both the World Pool Championship and the Snooker Masters as part of a ten-year agreement with Matchroom Sport.

The tournaments will be organized by the Saudi Arabian Billiards & Snooker Federation, with the participation of international players, and under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport.

According to the agreement signed by President of the Saudi Arabian Billiards & Snooker Federation Dr. Nasser Al-Shammari and Chairman of Matchroom Sport Eddie Hearn, the Kingdom will host the World Pool Championship (9-ball), from June 3rd to June 8th, in the Green Sports Hall in Jeddah, with a total prize of $600,000, competed for by a group of elite pool players, including World Champion Francisco Sanchez-Ruiz, five-time US Open champion and 2022 World Champion Shane Van Boening, and 2018 World Champion Joshua Filler.

Meanwhile, the Saudi edition of the Snooker Masters will be held, from August 31st to September 7th, in the Green Halls, in Riyadh, with the participation of the game’s top professionals. It will officially become the “fourth major” by offering a prize fund of £2 million, making it the second biggest event in the 2024 World Snooker Tour calendar.

The Saudi Snooker Masters will be an open event, open for participation to all 128 players, in addition to six professionals from the Saudi Arabian Billiards & Snooker Federation.

Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki said: “We are pleased to welcome two new sports events, adding to the series of international championships that the kingdom hosts, making it a home for all sports and athletes in various games.”

He added: “The sports sector is moving forward with a clear strategy to achieve the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 and contribute to building a great future for the country through sports industry, participating in enhancing its economy and development. One of the most prominent files that contribute to this is hosting major events in various sports.”