World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to be the star of the 2023 Macau Snooker Masters, scheduled to take place from 25 to 29 December at the Wynn Palace’s Grand Theatre.
Several competitors travelled to Macao for a press conference yesterday to reveal details of the tournament, which features prize money of £150,000 (1.53 million patacas). Present were O’Sullivan (who, along with Stephen Hendry, has seven World Championship titles), Si Jiahui, Marco Fu, Judd Trump and Jack Lisowski.
“I’m very excited to be able to play at this event, it’s exciting for all of us here,” Trump told media. “Whenever I go on a holiday to Vegas, I always spend my money on the Wynn Hotel, so it will be nice to spend some money back here,” he joked.
After only spending one night in Macao on his previous visit, O’Sullivan said he was thrilled to explore more of the city this time around. “It’s a fantastic place,” he said. “So excited to come here and play at such a big event in one of the best hotels in the world. I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic event with so much support from the people.”
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O’Sullivan also praised 20-year-old Si Jiahui, who made his debut at the 2023 World Snooker Championship in April and reached the semi-finals. “In another three or four years’ time, he might win the tournament, it’s just experience,” O’Sullivan said.
When asked about his thoughts on the development of Chinese snooker players, the snooker champion said the future was “getting stronger and stronger for China. I’ve seen a lot of Chinese players practise a lot and they want to become the best. Some are so strong now, so the future is now and it will only get stronger.”
Other competitors at the tournament include Ding Junhui, Mark Williams and Kyren Wilson. “Christmas is going to be very special this year,” Trump said.
The 2023 Macau Snookers Masters is co-organised by Wynn Macau along with the Macao government’s Sports Bureau.
