World Snooker Tour have announced that the first player to make 100 centuries this season will pocket themselves a sensational £100,000 bonus.
Although the top tier of snooker has become incredibly competitive, hitting such a target is no easy feat and has only been achieved by two players previously.
Neil Robertson made history in the 2013/14 season when becoming the first player to ever make 100 centuries in a single season. Judd Trump then replicated the achievement in 2019/20 when making 102.
After his impressive victory at the Shanghai Masters to indicate that he has returned to form, Trump will be among the favourites to land the WST’s new bonus initiative.
Ronnie O’Sullivan also has the ability to target the six-figure prize, though he will be aware that he will need to improve on his prior seasons if he is to get within touching distance of the coveted 100 centuries.
The 48-year-old’s highest centuries tally was in 2017/28 when he managed 74. However, The Rocket can never be overlooked and with such a big-money incentive on offer, O’Sullivan will be another candidate for the prize.
Speaking about the new bonus, WST Chairman Steve Dawson said: “We are delighted to introduce this new bonus as it creates an extra storyline which will run throughout the season.
“If a player is on target for the ‘century of centuries’ going into the last few events then the drama will build with every match!”
Trump currently leads the way for centuries this season, hitting 10 at last week’s Shanghai Masters.
Shaun Murphy is just behind him on eight while O’Sullivan is currently only on one, though that is a number that will only increase from here on out.
Speaking after his 11-5 victory over Shaun Murphy in the final, Trump fired a warning to his rivals, revealing that he is targeting at least five titles this season.
He explained: “The age of the crowd in China is so much younger than the rest of the world. I always enjoy playing in front of a fanbase where I can inspire the next generation.
“I think that is why my record in China is so good. I want to win as many big tournaments as possible this season. This is probably one of the top five events on the calendar.
“To win this one early on is an amazing start. I would like to replicate what I did last season and get close to five wins or even more. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better start.”
Source link : https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/1927250/snooker-Ronnie-O-Sullivan-centuries-Judd-Trump-Neil-Robertson
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Publish date : 2024-07-24 09:51:31
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