Following current feedback made by way of social media the WPBSA at the moment seeks to make clear its coverage in respect of each unique and reproduction event trophies.
Traditionally, it was not observe to offer reproduction trophies to each event winner, with gamers as a substitute receiving a commemorative plaque or medal to maintain. Nonetheless, final 12 months, the WPBSA undertook a full evaluate of all its trophies on the World Snooker, this included the commissioning of latest high-quality and significant trophies for brand spanking new occasions. The WPBSA made additionally made an extra dedication to offer reproduction trophies to a lot of previous champions, a lot of which have now already been supplied. These embrace ¾ measurement World Championship trophies, handmade by an unique Sheffield Silversmith, the UK Championship, Worldwide Championship and the German Masters because the introduction of the brand new Waterford Crystal bowl.
We’re additionally working alongside our unimaginable companions, Waterford Crystal, who’re famend for high quality and excellence to provide bespoke reproduction trophies for winners, not just for our Masters, but additionally for different prestigious World Snooker Tour occasions. It’s our expectation that the Masters trophy can be obtainable for the 2018 Dafabet Masters, that is in accordance with the timeframes beforehand mentioned with particular person gamers.
Lots of our present trophies have vital historic worth. We work on the precept that gamers are proud to place their palms on the unique iconic trophy once they earn their place in historical past and develop into a champion.
The present coverage is that gamers who win main titles can take dwelling the unique trophy till the occasion subsequent takes place. At this level, gamers can be supplied with an appropriate reproduction worthy of a champion. Once more, the precept being that gamers are proud to take dwelling the precise trophy to be on show, additionally it is a possibility to help gamers with native media round their achievement.
This coverage was in place on the 2017 Dafabet Masters. Ronnie O’Sullivan was provided the unique Paul Hunter Trophy to take dwelling, he was additionally knowledgeable that he could be supplied with an appropriate reproduction when it was to be returned. He refused to take the trophy and World Snooker have retained the trophy. Ronnie has since been provided supply of the trophy on a lot of events, nevertheless has continued to refuse it. Ronnie was additionally provided the unique English Open trophy following his distinctive efficiency in Barnsley final week, he additionally declined to take this trophy away.
The WPBSA will proceed to work with its companions to reward gamers once they obtain their desires.