World Championship qualifiers to be played over 19 frames, but no change to prize money for first-round losers

World Snooker has confirmed that the qualifying rounds for the World Championship will revert to best of 19 frames, but there has been no move on prize money for first-round losers at tournaments. The first three rounds of qualifying for the World Championship had been trimmed to best of 11 frames for the past couple of seasons, and it did not sit well with a lot of players.

Ad/> Following a consultation, World Snooker has made the announcement that all rounds will return to the longer format. SnookerOpinion: O’Sullivan has found a formula for success that can bring more glory19 HOURS AGO A statement read: “Based on feedback from the WPBSA and players, WST has taken the decision to revert to best of 19 frames from next season’s qualifying event, to take place in April 2023.” The governing body also confirmed prize money for a host of events — with the Turkish Masters, British Open, European Masters, English Open, Northern Ireland Open, Scottish Open, German Masters and Welsh Open all seeing an increase in total prize money.

What has not shifted is the amount players receive for losing in the first round. That figure, somewhat controversially, remains at zero.

Opinion: O'Sullivan has found a formula for success O'Sullivan to play Singapore exhibition matches A number of high-profile figures in the game, Ronnie O’Sullivan included, have called for players to at least be given expenses for losing in the first round to ensure they are not playing at a loss. But WST has not shifted its position, with a spokesperson saying: “We have made prize money increases to various events and we have made amendments which are aimed at creating a more balanced prize money ranking system.