German Masters Qualifiers: Preview, Schedule, and Prize Money

 

The German Masters is a prestigious snooker tournament that many fans look forward to. The qualifying rounds will be taking place at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield for the 2024 event. Here is the preview, schedule, prize money, and notable participants.

The initial qualifying phase commences on Monday, December 18, and concludes on Friday, December 22. Also, eight qualifying matches featuring the world’s top eight ranked players, including UK champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and last year’s winner Ali Carter, have been postponed until the week of the tournament.

Following his victory at the 2023 Scottish Open in Edinburgh, Gary Wilson is set to return to the snooker table. Additionally, Noppon Saengkham, whom he defeated in the final, will also be making a comeback. Notably, world No. 10 Kyren Wilson is among the participants.

Ding Junhui, former world champion Stuart Bingham, and the in-form Hossein Vafaei are set to participate in the qualifiers in the Steel City as they aim to secure their spots in Berlin. 

A strong lineup of fixtures is set for the initial qualifying phase, featuring world No. 10 Kyren Wilson against Oliver Lines. Gary Wilson faces Scott Donaldson, while Noppon Saengkham, the runner-up in Edinburgh, takes on Ashley Carty.

Meanwhile, Hossein Vafaei will square up against Mink Nutcharat, Ding Junhui against Yan Sijun, and Zhang Anda against Mostafa Dorgham.

The top eight seeds will compete in Berlin on January 29, with defending champion Ali Carter playing against Michael White, Ronnie O’Sullivan facing Julien Leclercq, Judd Trump taking on Lukas Kleckers, and Luca Brecel meeting Ishpreet Singh Chadha.

Qualifying kicks off on Monday, December 18, and continues until Friday, December 22. Each player will compete in one match, and a victory secures their spot in the main event scheduled in Berlin from January 29 to February 4. These matches will be played on a best-of-nine basis.

Prize Money:

There is a total of £427,000 in prize money up for grabs in Berlin, which is distributed as follows:

Winner: £80,000

Runner-up: £35,000

Semi-final: £17,500

Quarter-final: £11,000

Last 16: £7,500

Last 32: £4,500

Last 64: £3,000

Highest break: £5,000