Tournaments[ The 2015/2016 Season | Features | Archives | Facts ]
The 2015/2016 Season
Features
ArchivesThis is the place for times gone by. The World Championship was first contested in 1927. This section includes a list of all the finals since then. Season ResultsResults by season FinalsLists of finals for a number of tournaments. SummariesMatch-by-match summaries of the 1994 and 1995 World Championships. MedalsMedal table.
FactsHere are some facts about the tournament circuit. There are professional tournaments and Pro-Ams (for professionals and amateurs alike). Professional tournamentsRanking tournamentsThere are currently (2010/2011) eight major and 12 minor ranking tournaments run by the World Snooker Association with the World Championship being the most important. The top players in the world rankings are automatically qualified through to the latter stages. The rest have to battle through a number of qualifying rounds, dependant on their ranking. Rookies have to start in round one. They often need to win lots of matches just to reach the first round at the final venue. Invitational tournamentsInvitational tournaments are, as the name implies, reserved a priviliged group of players. Usually the best ranked players automatically receive invitations. In addition the organizers like to invite the most promising talents and some local players. The Masters in London is the second most prestigious tournament of the season. Only outranked by the World Championship itself. Other events include the Snooker Shoot-Out and the Premier League. Pro-AmsThe International Billiards & Snooker Federation hold World championships for men, women, juniors and seniors. In addition there are continental championships held by the various regional organizations. Previously all these events were strictly for amateurs but now they have been opened for lower-ranked professionals as well. LadiesThe ladies have a ranking tournament circuit of their own, run by the WLBSA. Unfortunately it is overshadowed by the men's circuit and doesn't receive much coverage. Each year there is a separate world championship for the ladies. The women are also allowed to play on the professional circuit.
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