Snooker star Mark Allen reveals where ‘golden ball’ will be placed ahead of controversial rule change in Saudi Arabia

THE STARTING point for the controversial “golden ball” at the upcoming Saudi Arabia invitational appears to have been confirmed.

Ten of the planet’s best snooker stars are heading to the Middle East for the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker between March 4 to 6.

Ronnie O’Sullivan, Luca Brecel and Mark Allen are among those set to battle it out with a prize pool of £800,000 up for grabs.

But things will be a lot different at the event due to the introduction of a new ball on the table.

A golden ball, which will be worth 20 points, will be available to be used to make a break of 167.

The World Snooker Tour confirmed: “Each game will be played under World Snooker rules and regulations but with the introduction of an innovative new concept, a 23rd ball known as the Riyadh Season ball.

“This gold ball will be worth 20 points and can only be potted once all other balls have been successfully cleared from the table if a player is on a maximum break to make it 167.”

The details on where the new ball would be placed on the table have so far remained a mystery, as well as whether it will be available throughout the frame or just introduced after a maximum 147 break has been completed.

Now 38-year-old Northern Irish star Allen, who has 11 tournament victories to his name, has provided a huge clue as to where it could be placed.

He revealed on Instagram that the golden ball will only be removed when a 147 is out of the question after being in play from the off.

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Allen wrote: “We've been told it's going in the middle of the baulk cushion. It will be removed once a 147 is no longer possible in a frame.

“If moved legally during the frame, it stays where it finishes.”

While Allen seems fairly positive about the new introduction, others do not appear to be as keen.

And the legendary O’Sullivan says he is only interested in the prize money on offer for a 167 break.

When asked about it, O’Sullivan said: “What's the prize for a 167? Have they announced it?

“I'm sure that it will be a hefty prize. Listen, the Saudis can just do what they like.

“They are a powerful outfit. Every other sport seems to be doing stuff in Saudi, so it will be great to go out there.”