The Tour Championship Thrives in Manchester: Sell-Out Crowds and Top Players Shine in New Home

The Tour Championship has found a new home in Manchester, and it seems to be a perfect fit as sell-out crowds have been turning out to support the prestigious 12-player event in the city’s first experience of hosting a major tournament.

Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, who is chasing his sixth major title of the season and a 42nd ranking victory of his illustrious 32-year career, has been impressed with the venue and the atmosphere in Manchester. The world No. 1 will face either Mark Allen or Mark Williams in the best-of-19 frame final on Sunday, with a top prize of £150,000 on the line.

Allen, who has already won the Champion of Champions, Shoot Out, and Players Championship this season, is provisionally ranked as world No. 1 for next season. He has secured impressive wins over top players like John Higgins and Ding Junhui, while three-time world champion Williams has also been in top form with victories over Tom Ford and Judd Trump.

However, Allen has expressed his thoughts on the revamped event, which now includes 12 players instead of the traditional eight. He believes that the format should have remained the same, with a one-table set-up from the first round.

Despite the changes, the Tour Championship in Manchester has been a thrilling event for both players and fans alike. Snooker enthusiasts can catch all the action, including the upcoming World Snooker Championship, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app, and eurosport.com.