As the 2024 World Snooker Championship approaches, it's worth getting to know the essential details of the event. So, in this article, we’re going to highlight the key facts before the main action begins in the Crucible Theatre on the 20th of April. Let’s get into it.
Championship Venue and Dates
The main stage of the 2024 World Snooker Championship will be held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, from April 20 to May 6. This venue, known for its intimate atmosphere, is a historic setting for the championship.
Tournament Structure
The championship's unique structure sees the number of frames required to win a match increase with each round. Initially, matches in the second round and quarter-finals are played over the best of 25 frames. This escalates to 33 frames for the semi-finals and reaches 35 frames for the final match. Victory in the championship requires a player to win at least 71 frames.
Equipment Used
The matches will be played on professional snooker tables that meet specific standards for professional play. These tables are 0.864 meters high, 136.58 meters long, and 1.829 meters wide, with a slightly smaller playing area. Players use snooker cues of at least 3ft in length and are allowed additional equipment like cue rests and cue extensions.
Who Gets to Play and Why?
After the Tour Championship, players are ranked, and the top 16 are chosen based on their performances. These top players are then randomly paired with 16 others who have qualified through a series of pre-tournament matches. This setup leads to exciting first-round matches at the World Snooker Championship, featuring both renowned stars and emerging talents.
But what is the Tour Championship? This is a different snooker tournament that features the top players from the snooker season's ranking list. Typically, only the highest-ranked players on the World Snooker Tour are invited to participate. This elite group often includes the world's best, showcasing players who have consistently performed well in tournaments throughout the season.
This tournament serves as a critical event for players to accumulate ranking points, impacting their seeding and qualification for other major tournaments, including the World Snooker Championship.
Prize Money
The winner of the tournament will receive £500,000 from a total prize pool of £2,395,000. This substantial sum underscores the importance and prestige of this championship.
Players to Watch
Defending champion Luca Brecel and contenders such as Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump are among the players to watch. O’Sullivan, despite his achievements, considers Trump the favourite to win this year’s championship. However, Mark Williams is also a popular favourite due to his recent win the Tour Championship, beating ‘The Rocket’ Ronnie O’ Sullivan in the final. It’s safe to say it’s hard to predict who will come out on top this year.
Where to Watch?
The entire championship will be broadcast live on BBC Sport, allowing fans worldwide to follow the action as it unfolds.
In Summary
This guide aims to provide a clear and straightforward overview of the 2024 World Snooker Championship. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the sport, this championship promises to be an exciting showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
We hope you have learnt everything you need before Saturday’s event set to take place at Sheffield's distinguished Crucible Theatre from April 20th to May 6th. Featuring top talents like Luca Brecel, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Judd Trump, the championship promises to deliver exciting and unpredictable matches.