The 2024 Champion of Champions event is underway in Bolton, with out to regain the title he last won in 2022. 'The Rocket' wasn't able to take the crown for a fifth time last year, with stunning J in the final by hammering the world No.1 10-3.
Along with Allen and Trump, O'Sullivan is one of eight players seeded for the tournament at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, which has been the venue since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The other eight players have qualified due to world rankings or titles won in the past 12 months, and Express Sport looks at the money available to win for the 16 stars involved....
What is the overall prize pot for the Champions of Champions?Like in 2023, £400,000 will be dished out in prize money this week. While the amount is dwarfed by the funds currently up for grabs at new tournaments in Saudi Arabia, the event in Bolton remains one of the most lucrative on the World Tour circuit.
What do last-16 losers get?There has already been one high profile last-16 departure, with ex-world champion on the way home after losing 4-1 to Kyren Wilson. Igor Figueiredo, Jak Jones, and Bai Yulu also fell at the first hurdle - but do at least get £12,500 for simply fulfilling their obligation to play.
What do losing quarter-finalists get?Getting at least one win on the board is worth it as making the last eight is worth an extra £5,000. Those who lose at that stage, where games go from best-of-seven frames to best-of-11, will take away a total of £17,500.
What do losing semi-finalists get?
Last year it was veteran and Barry Hawkins who made it to within one match of the final. That feat was worth a nice little £30,000 reward to each player, and it's the same again this year.
What do the finalists get?For the final, which this week takes place on Sunday, November 17, the financial stakes are inevitably much bigger. It's also a significantly longer affair, with the best-of-11 format jumping to best-of-19.
For the losers, there is the sizeable consolation of £60,000. The victor however, will receive more than double that amount, with £150,000 handed to the man who lifts the silverware.
But while the cash rewards are sizeable, what players can't do this week in Bolton is gain any ranking points. As an invitational tournament, the results will neither improve or hinder anybody's place in the world standings.
Nor is there any bonus prize available for the highest break. Ali Carter got bragging rights, if nothing else, on that front in 2023 with his effort of 143.
