Saudi Snooker Masters Praised by Ronnie O’Sullivan

Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan is singing his praises for the ongoing Saudi Snooker Masters.

On September 3, specifically, Arab News reported he had praised the sporting event as the best on the snooker tour.

“Saudi Arabia has really raised the bar — this is the best event on the tour,” O’Sullivan remarked about the Saudi Snooker Masters. “I’ve never seen so many happy snooker players, everyone is excited to be here, we want to compete, play well, and put on a really good show for the Saudi Arabian fans.”

O’Sullivan also pointed out how satisfied he was with the event setup, from accommodations, venue quality, and overall tournament logistics.

“We’ve already seen a 147, which is fantastic, and the tournament has just begun,” he added about the Saudi Snooker Masters. “All the top players are about to enter the event and hopefully everyone’s going to watch some of the best snooker they could possibly see. The tables, the facilities, the venue that’s been put together; this tournament deserves to watch the best snooker ever seen, it really is that good.”

The event also provided excellent facilities for both the players and the audience, creating an enjoyable atmosphere. Moreover, this level of organization was key to distinguishing a great event from others on the snooker calendar.

About the Saudi Snooker Masters

Saudi Arabia first announced its plans for the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in August 2024. Currently, spectators can catch it at the Green Halls in Riyadh.

The competition, which kicked off on August 30, will come to a conclusion on September 7. 144 players will compete for a pot of GBP 2 million (USD 2.5 million).

On Tuesday, September 3, the competition held its fifth round, with the world’s top 16 players qualified for round 32. This specifically included Scotland’s John Higgins; England’s Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, Judd Trump, and Kyren Wilson; and Wales’ Mark Williams. Trump is currently the world’s number one player. Also included in the list were Belgium’s Luca Brecel and Northern Island’s Mark Allen.

Dr. Nasser Al-Shamri, Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation president, said the Saudi Snooker Masters is an important time in sports. It also heralds the beginning of a new age of snooker in Saudi Arabia.

“This is a milestone moment for snooker in the Kingdom and one that’s already paving the way for the bright and opportunistic future ahead,” Al-Shamri remarked.

“Local fans who’ve loved snooker for many years are now guaranteed to watch the world’s best players in a world-class event for the next decade,” he continued. “And in turn, this will inspire new generations who’ll benefit from our local infrastructure, tournaments and player pathways.”

About Ronnie O’Sullivan

Many recognize Ronnie O’Sullivan as one of the world’s best and most successful snooker players in history. The English player has won the World Snooker Championship seven times and holds eight Masters titles. In addition, he possesses eight UK Championship titles.

Photo: Facebook/Ronnie O’Sullivan