Top intl snooker event to take place in Xi'an

Top international snookerstars attended a news conference on May 28 in Xi'an – capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province – for the upcoming 2024 World Snooker Tour (WST) Xi'an Grand Prix.

International snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan, as well as representatives from over 70 brands, guests and fans gathered to witness the international event coming to Xi'an.

During the media briefing, the organizers officially announced the WST Xi'an Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Aug 19-25 in Xi'an.

This marks the first time Xi'an will host such a high-profile snooker event, with total prize money of up to 850,000 pounds ($1.08 million). A total of 72 top international players will battle it out in Xi'an – including O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui, John Higgins, Mark Williams and Luca Brecel.

"The WST is a flagship sporting event in the United Kingdom," said Anthea Heffernan, counselor for regional cooperation in China at the British Embassy in Beijing.

"The holding of the event in Xi'an will have significant importance and will enhance the city's reputation as an international sports city," she told the news conference.

Top snooker players also presented signed cues to Shaanxi Provincial Sports Industry Group Co, one of the organizers, in a gesture of appreciation to the organizers and sponsors of the event.