Wuhan to Play Host as World Snooker Returns to China

China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP
China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP
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Wuhan to Play Host as World Snooker Returns to China

China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP
China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP

The World Snooker Tour hailed the "momentous announcement" of three tournaments in China this year, including one in Wuhan, as the return of international sport to the country gathers pace.

Almost all international sports events were cancelled in China after Covid emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and they are only just returning after travel curbs were lifted.

The World Snooker Tour will stage the first professional snooker tournament in mainland China in four years with the showpiece Shanghai Masters on September 11-17, the WST said.

That will be followed by the Wuhan Open on October 9-15 and the International Championship in November at a Chinese city yet to be confirmed, AFP reported.

Total prize money for three events combined will be more than £2 million ($2.5 million).

"This is a momentous announcement for our sport as we ramp up our return to staging events in Asia," said WST chairman Steve Dawson.

"Throughout the pandemic we have maintained dialogue and relationships with the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association as well as our key partners and promoters across China.

"This has allowed us to make a fast return to staging key events now that travel restrictions have lifted."

In a nod to snooker's popularity in the world's most populous country, Dawson added: "We will continue to explore opportunities to stage further events in China and beyond."



Barcelona Faces Athletic Bilbao in Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final Wednesday in Jeddah

General view from Jeddah - File photo/SPA
General view from Jeddah - File photo/SPA
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Barcelona Faces Athletic Bilbao in Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final Wednesday in Jeddah

General view from Jeddah - File photo/SPA
General view from Jeddah - File photo/SPA

Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao will face off tomorrow in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 10 p.m.
Barcelona, the most decorated team in the history of the Spanish Super Cup with 14 titles from 27 appearances, is looking to secure a place in the final.

Athletic Bilbao, boasting three titles, is equally determined to advance and enhance its storied legacy, according to SPA.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Spanish Super Cup, an event organized as part of the Quality of Life Program, underscores the Kingdom's growing status as a global hub for major sporting events.

This initiative aligns with Vision 2030, which aims to develop the sports sector, foster growth, and promote a vibrant society.