Mark Allen has refused to be drawn into a political controversy ahead of the inaugural Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker tournament. The sport’s top players will travel to Saudi Arabia for the tournament next month, despite widespread criticism of hosting the event in the Middle Eastern country.
There’s not much left in sports that Saudi Arabia hasn’t gotten its paws on. Saudi money has recently influenced Formula One, football, boxing, and golf, with snooker being the most recent example. The event will take place from March 4-6, with a prize pool of £800,000 available to players.
But snooker ace Allen – who waltzed to victory at the Players Championship last week – has steered clear of making any comments about the ethics of hosting a tournament in Suadi Arabia. Speaking ahead of the March meeting, Allen said: “It’s another opportunity to go and win a snooker tournament. I don’t get involved in any of the politics, no matter where I play. It’s just the way I am. I’m here to provide for my family and my family’s future and get more money. That’s all I’m worried about.
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