2018 Shanghai Masters - Invitational

[DeanH]

Just read this announcement
http://www.worldsnooker.com/shanghai...event-history/

Shanghai Masters from 2018 to be a invitational only, with 24 players made up of top 16 plus top Chinese pros-amateurs.
With the top 8 playing from the second round.
This of course ensures the top names (ticket sellers) should be around for the end of the week
(a thought - what will happen if ROS drops out of the top 16? )

[Odrl]

Tournaments like these are always nice to have, but I just wish they would be introduced at the expense of some short-format stuff, rather than one of the more traditional ranking events.

[s.h442]

One thing I would question is the prize money in china. Yes it has increased from last year but not that much. Barry stated in a interview with betway last year that some deals would be announced that would change the face of snooker ect. But it seems that they not aiming that highly considering the supposed popularity there.

[DeanH]

They have increased the fund by 25k for next year on year atleast and don't forget it is only split by 32 and not 128