Major snooker tournament cancelled in blow for players as official statement released | Other | Sport

The World Snooker Tour have confirmed the Saudi Arabia Masters has been removed from the schedule. The controversial tournament was introduced two years ago, but won’t take place from the 2026/27 season onwards.

A 10-year deal had previously been agreed between the WST bigwigs and Saudi sport chiefs, with the latest bombshell proving a big blow for the tour. It was marketed as the fourth major, with a whopping prize pot of £2.3million on offer for the 128 competing players.

What’s more, an extra £50,000 was available to players who successfully sank a 147, while the winner earned a gobsmacking £500,000 – the same prize on offer to the World Championship victor. Judd Trump won the inaugural Suadi Masters in 2024, while Neil Robertson overcame Ronnie O’Sullivan in last year’s edition.

It raises problems for those two potters in particular, as they won’t be able to defend the half-a-million-pound ranking money following the scrapping of the event. It comes after news that the Saudi Public Investment Firm intend to pivot away from football in the coming years, with snooker already feeling the brunt.

A statement from the WST emailed to players read: “Following constructive discussions between The Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation and Matchroom following the conclusion of the 2025 editions, it has been mutually agreed not to proceed with future editions of the World Pool Championship and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.

“Across 2024 and 2025, the Kingdom successfully staged two major events in Riyadh and Jeddah, welcoming world champions and providing 18 Saudi players with the opportunity to compete on the same stage. Thousands of spectators attended from nearly 40 countries, many experiencing elite live snooker and pool for the first time.

“During this period, Saudi juniors also progressed through international events, including World Nineball Tour competitions, Q Tour Middle East, and Asian junior championships — important early steps onto the global stage. We extend our sincere thanks to all players, officials, and participants for their contribution to the success of these events.”