Judd Trump says there is a 'buzz' at Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters because of lucrative prize money on offer
Published 02/09/2024 at 23:33 GMT+1
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With a total of £2.3 million on offer in prize money at the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, world No. 1 Judd Trump admits "everyone is happy and excited" because of what is at stake in the Middle East. The winner will receive £500,000, the same sum that Kyren Wilson earned for winning the World Championship. Stream the snooker season live on discovery+
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World No. 1 Judd Trump admits there is a “buzz” surrounding the Saudi Arabia Masters because of the lucrative prize money on offer.
The winner of the inaugural tournament will be awarded £500,000, the runner-up £200,000, and even the lower-ranked players are also guaranteed at least £2,000.
Noppon Saengkham has already lined himself up for a £50,000 bonus for making the first 147 maximum break in his 4-1 win over Amir Sarkhosh.
In total, £2.3 million will be divided out – numbers only the World Championship can rival.
Indeed, in his column for Eurosport, Dave Hendon said the event in Saudi “will be one of the defining periods of the whole season and potentially transformative for careers”.
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‘History man’ - Noppon makes first 147 maximum break in Saudi Arabia to tee up £50,000 bonus
Video credit: TNT Sports
Trump says the excitement in the Middle East is tangible as the world’s top 16 prepare to start their campaigns on Tuesday.
"There is a different kind of buzz similar to the Crucible here and everyone throughout the last 10 to 15 years has hoped this would happen to snooker," Trump told BBC Sport.
"We have watched the other sports take the money away and everyone is happy and excited by this opportunity.
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“Some of the events we go to in the Home Nations apart from Northern Ireland - which is a great venue - feel a bit second tier in how they are set up. You can feel the excitement here.
"There is a buzz because of the money and the chance for players to support their families."
The Saudi Arabia Masters got under way on August 30 and runs until September 7 - with the action live on Eurosport and discovery+.
Trump will open his campaign at midday on Tuesday against Wu Yize.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is snooker's big drawcard and he will face Lei Peifan on Tuesday evening.
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Stream the snooker season live on discovery+
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