Following current feedback made through social media the WPBSA in the present day seeks to make clear its coverage in respect of each authentic and duplicate match trophies.
Traditionally, it was not observe to supply duplicate trophies to each match winner, with gamers as an alternative receiving a commemorative plaque or medal to maintain. Nevertheless, 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 supply duplicate trophies to quite a few previous champions, a lot of which have now already been supplied. These embrace ¾ dimension World Championship trophies, handmade by an authentic Sheffield Silversmith, the UK Championship, Worldwide Championship and the German Masters for the reason that introduction of the brand new Waterford Crystal bowl.
We’re additionally working alongside our unbelievable companions, Waterford Crystal, who’re famend for high quality and excellence to provide bespoke duplicate 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 shall 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 important historic worth. We work on the precept that gamers are proud to place their arms on the unique iconic trophy after they earn their place in historical past and turn into a champion.
The present coverage is that gamers who win main titles can take residence the unique trophy till the occasion subsequent takes place. At this level, gamers shall be supplied with an acceptable duplicate worthy of a champion. Once more, the precept being that gamers are proud to take residence the precise trophy to be on show, it is usually a chance 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 residence, he was additionally knowledgeable that he could be supplied with an acceptable duplicate 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 quite a few 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 after they obtain their desires.