The Tour Championship has found a new permanent home in Manchester, with sell-out crowds supporting the 12-player event in the city for the first time. Ronnie O’Sullivan, chasing his sixth major title of the season, has praised the venue and the atmosphere at the event. He will face either Mark Allen or Mark Williams in the best-of-19 frame final, with a £150,000 top prize on the line. Allen has had an impressive season, winning the Champion of Champions, Shoot Out, and Players Championship, and is currently ranked as world No. 1 for next season ahead of the World Championship.
Mark Allen has voiced his thoughts on the restyled event, which has increased from the top eight to 12 players for the first time. He believes that the format should have remained at eight players with a one-table set-up from the first round. The Tour Championship has traditionally been reduced to a final eight with a one-table set-up, similar to the Masters at Alexandra Palace. Allen expressed disappointment in the changes, stating that it has spoiled what was a highly anticipated event for players and fans alike. Despite his reservations, Allen has performed well in the tournament, securing victories over top players like John Higgins and Ding Junhui.
As part of the Players Series, the World Grand Prix now involves the top 32 players on the one-year list, while the Players Championship has been reduced to 16 players. The Tour Championship has also been expanded to include 12 players, a change from its original format of only eight players. This reshuffling has received mixed reactions from players like Allen, who believe that the event’s previous format was more exciting and competitive. However, the tournament continues to attract top talent and provide thrilling matches for snooker fans.
The Tour Championship has become a significant event on the snooker calendar, offering a substantial prize pot and attracting top players from around the world. With sell-out crowds and a new home in Manchester, the tournament has solidified its place in the world of professional snooker. Players like O’Sullivan, Allen, and Williams have showcased their skills and competitive spirit in the event, making for thrilling matches and exciting moments for fans. The tournament’s future looks bright as it continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs and expectations of players and spectators alike.
Overall, the Tour Championship in Manchester has been a success, with top players competing for a significant prize and entertaining fans with high-quality snooker. Despite some criticism of the tournament’s format changes, the event has maintained its appeal and established itself as a must-watch event for snooker enthusiasts. With the likes of O’Sullivan, Allen, and Williams vying for victory, the final promises to be a thrilling contest that will showcase the skill and talent of the world’s best snooker players. Fans can continue to enjoy top snooker action by streaming the World Snooker Championship on discovery+, the Eurosport app, and eurosport.com.
