Snooker Star Calls for Fairer Distribution of £100,000 Prize Fund

Snooker star Mark Allen has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the sport's lesser-known players. And he's proposed the 'century of centuries' prize fund should be distributed among lower-ranking players, rather than giving top players another opportunity to win a prize only the elite have a realistic chance of claiming.

The World Snooker Tour (WST) recently announced the return of the century of centuries campaign for the 2025/26 season. This initiative, which debuted in the 2024/25 season, awards a £100,000 jackpot to the first player to reach 100 centuries. World No. 1 Judd Trump was the clear winner of the inaugural prize.

But Antrim-born Allen, 39, believes the wealth should be more evenly distributed among those lower down the rankings rather than just benefiting the top players. In turn, this could play a big role in helping those further down the pecking order stay and afloat and pursue their dreams.

Snooker journalist Phil Haigh commented on the renewal of the 'century of centuries' initiative, suggesting it encourages top players to participate in as many tournaments as possible. But given the Englishman's dominance this term, Haigh also wondered if the campaign might become little more than 'a 'Can Judd Trump Buy Himself Another Car?' campaign.'

Allen responded on X (via the Daily Express) and asked: 'Why not take the 100k and run a side event during one of the players series tournaments for those not qualified? I think there's loads on offer for the top players as it is.'

Allen's remark poses the question as to how many competitors will realistically have access to the century funds. For context, this feat had only been achieved twice before this season: by Neil Robertson in 2013/14 and Trump for the first time in 2019/20. 'The Ace In the Pack' has been significantly ahead of his competition in that sector this season. He sits on 107 centuries for the 2024/25 campaign to date, while Mark Selby is his closest rival with just 73.

Many fans agreed with 'The Pistol' and praised him for considering the underdog. Despite making a surprise second-round exit at this year's World Snooker Championship, Allen bagged an impressive £45,000 bonus for making the 15th 147 break in Crucible history. 'Well said Mark, couldn’t agree more,' replied one social media user in response to Allen's idea. Another wrote: 'Well said. Among fans nobody cares about whether Judd, Ronnie, yourself or whoever wins this cash. It's a sideshow.'

And it's not only the century of centuries campaign that's under the microscope as a third fan commented: '100%. Same with the Bet Victor bonus. Literal hundreds of thousands of pounds for centuries and BV bonus. They could set up new tournaments in Europe. It's [Barry Hearn's we only reward winners mentality, but with the bonuses.'

While it's great to see the sport's elite rewarded for their efforts, some may agree the £100,000 won't impact the Trumps of the sport that much. But for those lower down snooker's ladder, a fraction of that sum could be transformative.