A broken cue and a draw error, retirement and mental health, an impressive maximum break, and a planned comeback after a ban

With the Saudi Arabia Masters currently underway at its impressive venue and, until now, with a non-existing audience, it’s time for a new issue of Snooker Weekly. While some might have mixed feelings, it’s undoubtly a significant moment in the sport’s history. Let’s see what the rest of the week brings - hopefully, we’ll witness a full audience and a great atmosphere.

1️⃣4️⃣7️⃣ First maximum break of the season
The first maximum break of the season - and the first one in Saudi Arabia - has been completed by Noppon Saengkham! Check the video below for the full frame.

In a hurry? Check out every shot of the maximum break fast forwarded.

⛔️ Seed error
Everyone makes mistakes, and so does WST. The Saudi Arabia Masters faced a significant draw change after an error was discovered in the seeding for the last 32 round. Initially, the top 16 players were set to face opponents incorrectly seeded, but WST corrected the mistake, ensuring matchups now follow the correct seeding order. This adjustment affects players like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump, who now face different opponents than initially planned. The tournament continues with the correct draw in place. 

ꝇ Broken cue
Imagine you’re a professional snooker player and your cue is broken while travelling. This happened to Matthew Selt, but he seems to be pretty ok under the circumstances.

🍀 Mark Selby more selective with upcoming tournaments
Mark Selby is aiming to be more selective with the tournaments he participates in, focusing on managing his mental health. He believes that he should have withdrawn from the World Championship this year, as it coincided with a particularly challenging period for him.

😎 Dominic Dale planning to retire
Dominic Dale will retire from professional snooker at the end of the season, citing persistent injuries and a desire to focus on commentary. The 52-year-old, who turned professional in 1992 and reached as high as 19th in the world rankings with two ranking titles, confirmed his decision at the Xi’an Grand Prix, stating it is final.

🇨🇳 Zhao Xintong back in business
Zhao Xintong's ban from professional snooker is at its end, and he's expected to return to the tour soon. After serving a 20-month suspension for match-fixing, Zhao is likely to re-enter the sport through a qualifying school or via a wildcard entry. His return is highly anticipated, given his previous ranking as a top-10 player and his potential to regain his form.

🎙 Snooker podcasts this week
This week in the snooker podcast world, several episodes aired. Framed featured 2021 Welsh Open champion Jordan Brown, discussing his incredible win and the pressure of expectations. The latest Snooker Hall episode analyzed the Xi’An Grand Prix and previewed Riyadh. In the Totally Snookered’s vodcast, Rebecca Kenna talked about her time on the professional tour and the rise of the women’s circuit. Talking Snooker also reviewed Xi’An Grand Prix and preview the Saudi Arabia Masters in their latest episode.

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Thanks for reading, and see you next week!