Ronnie O’Sullivan: Desert King of Snooker Emerges in Riyadh
The cue wizard Ronnie O’Sullivan shines in the heart of Riyadh, amidst the golden sands and under the moderate Arabian sun, etched his name in history. The Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker unfolded like a mesmerizing tale—a show of skill, resilience and the pursuit of greatness.
The Rocket’s Journey
Ronnie O’Sullivan, the Rocket, had graced countless snooker arenas with his cue magic. But this tournament was different—it was Saudi Arabia’s snooker awakening. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting elongated shadows on the Boulevard Arena, O’Sullivan stepped onto the green baize. His eyes, sharp as the chalked tip of his cue, surveyed the table. The stakes were high, the desert winds whispered secrets, and the crowd held its breath.
The Semi-Final Duel: O’Sullivan vs. Trump
Judd Trump, the fearless challenger, awaited him in the semi final. The clash crackled with tension. O’Sullivan’s break-building prowess collided with Trump’s audacity. Frame after frame, they danced—a symphony of precision and flair. O’Sullivan’s long pots defied gravity, while Trump’s safety play was a fortress. But it was O’Sullivan who prevailed, a 4-1 victory that echoed through Riyadh and the crowd enjoyed every moment of the semi final. Ronnie’s post-match words resonated: “Judd gave it his all, but today, the Rocket soared higher”.
The Golden Ball and the Quest for Perfection
The ‘Riyadh Season ball’ gleamed like a desert mirage. A golden orb perched on the cushion, beckoned the players. It carried a promise—a chance at snooker immortality. Only when all other balls were cleared could a player attempt the maximum break. The elusive 147 was within reach but beyond it lay uncharted territory: the mythical 167 break. O’Sullivan eyed the golden ball, knowing that destiny awaited.
The Final Curtain: O’Sullivan vs. Brecel
Luca Brecel, the reigning world champion, stood between O’Sullivan and glory. The final was a best of nine frames battle—a canvas for their cues to paint magic. The crowd swayed like palm fronds in a desert breeze. The tension was everywhere. The clash was for something huge. The stake was high. O’Sullivan’s cue continued its magic, whispering ancient secrets but the Brecel’s resolve was unyielding.
However, when the black ball disappeared into the pocket, the arena erupted. O’Sullivan raised his arms—the £250,000 prize was his, but more importantly, he had etched his name in Saudi Arabian snooker lore.
This year, no one succeeded in getting the Golden Ball award and wrote his name in the history book with 167 breaks. However, the Golden Ball award grew to $1 million for the following year. At the post-presentation ceremony, Turki Alalshikh announced that Ronnie would open a Snooker Academy in Saudi Arabia under his name.
A Desert Crown
The Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker crowned its champion. Ronnie O’Sullivan, the Rocket, stood tall—a desert king with a cue for a scepter. The sands whispered his name, and the world applauded. Riyadh had witnessed history—a triumph etched in golden strokes.
