WST Classic: A Battle for Crucial Spots
The WST Classic snooker tournament is set to begin in Leicester on March 16, 2023, with 128 players competing for the title and a top prize of £80,000. The tournament also holds significant importance as it is the final qualifying event for the Duelbits Tour Championship, which will take place from March 27 to April 2.
The top eight players on the one-year ranking list will qualify for the Duelbits Tour Championship, and subsequently, the top 16 seeds for the Crucible. Currently, the top five players, including Mark Allen, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter, Kyren Wilson, and Ryan Day, are guaranteed a spot in the Championship. However, the remaining three spots are still in doubt and are currently held by Robert Milkins, Ding Junhui, and Mark Selby.
Selby, currently in eighth place, holds a lead of £4,500 over ninth-placed Luca Brecel. However, 15 players outside the top eight, including Luca Brecel, Jack Lisowski, Gary Wilson, Judd Trump, Tom Ford, Joe O’Connor, Zhou Yuelong, Chris Wakelin, Mark Williams, Barry Hawkins, Xiao Guodong, Neil Robertson, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Noppon Saengkham, and Anthony McGill, are still in contention for the top eight spots.
WST Classic Prize Money
Winner: £80,000
Runner-up: £35,000
Semi-finals: £17,500
Quarter-finals: £11,000
Last 16: £7,500
Last 32: £4,500
Last 64: £3,000
In the Race to the Crucible, Day is guaranteed an extra £20,000 in Hull, putting him on track for a spot in the Crucible. Similarly, Ding’s participation in the Tour Championship will boost his chances of qualifying for the Crucible from his current position of 23rd. Barry Hawkins, who has not missed the Crucible since 2005, needs a deep run in Leicester to secure his spot.
For most players, this tournament will be their final chance to earn ranking points before the Cazoo World Championship qualifiers. Hence, every result is crucial, especially for those battling for tour survival. Snooker enthusiasts worldwide can watch every ball at the main table by signing up for Matchroom. Live for £4.99 for the week or £1.99 for a day pass, except in China, Thailand, and Hong Kong, which have alternative coverage. Grab your subscription here.
