Ronnie O’Sullivan gets wish granted by snooker bosses as prize fund of £177,000 might be his

The announcement of the Xi’an Grand Prix marks a significant development in the world of snooker, as the World Snooker Tour (WST) confirms the addition of a new ranking event to its calendar for the upcoming season.

Scheduled to take place in August, the Xi’an Grand Prix will be the fifth tournament held in China, further solidifying the country’s status as a powerhouse in the sport.

The city of Xi’an, located in the heart of China’s Shaanxi Province, is set to host some of the biggest names in snooker, including the likes of Judd Trump and the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan, who has been taking a break from competitive play, is expected to return to the circuit for this prestigious event. His presence, along with other top players, adds a significant level of excitement and anticipation to the tournament.

With a total prize pool of £850,000, the Xi’an Grand Prix offers substantial rewards for the players, further highlighting the growing prominence of snooker in China. This prize pool is set to increase by an additional £25,000 in the following two years, underscoring the tournament’s long-term commitment to providing lucrative opportunities for competitors.

The decision to introduce the Xi’an Grand Prix could be seen as a gesture of goodwill from the WST towards O’Sullivan, who has voiced his frustration over the lack of opportunities to compete in China.

As a UK-based player under contract with the WST, O’Sullivan has faced restrictions on his ability to participate in overseas events. The addition of another tournament in China not only addresses O’Sullivan’s concerns but also opens up new possibilities for showcasing the sport in the region.

For O’Sullivan, who has been vocal about his desire to compete more frequently in Asia, the Xi’an Grand Prix represents a significant step forward. In a statement to the BBC, O’Sullivan emphasized the importance of having the opportunity to play in China, stating that it is a key factor in his decision to continue his career in snooker.

The inclusion of the Xi’an Grand Prix in the WST calendar not only expands the reach of the sport but also highlights the growing global appeal of snooker. As players and fans alike eagerly await the inaugural edition of this prestigious event, it is clear that the future of snooker is brighter than ever before.