In a landmark event for professional snooker, Ronnie O'Sullivan secured his fifth title of the season at Saudi Arabia's inaugural professional snooker event, defeating Luca Brecel 5-2. The tournament was highlighted by the introduction of the 'golden ball,' aimed at encouraging players to achieve the sport's first-ever 167 break, combining a traditional 147 break with a 20-point bonus for potting the golden ball. Despite the anticipation, John Higgins missed the 'golden' 167 break. The event, which saw O'Sullivan playing until 3am for his debut Saudi win, also stirred controversy among UK fans and elicited strong reactions for O'Sullivan's dominant performance. The golden ball prize, set at a staggering $1 million for next year's tournament, reflects Saudi Arabia's hefty investment in sports. O'Sullivan's victory came with a £250,000 prize and a peculiar gift, further highlighting the allure and prestige of the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker.
Snooker fans break protocol again as Ronnie O'Sullivan aims death stare into crowd at World Masters final https://t.co/LKVKSCiPKu https://t.co/LKVKSCiPKu
Ronnie O’Sullivan given bizarre gift alongside £250,000 prize money for winning Riyadh World Masters of Snooker https://t.co/yGh2AP2wQQ https://t.co/yGh2AP2wQQ
Ronnie O'Sullivan's brilliant gesture to young fan caught on camera after Riyadh Season World Masters win https://t.co/sxdmFwoawD
Ronnie O’Sullivan appears to make major change to appearance at snooker tournament in Saudi Arabia – did you spot it? https://t.co/lDCOO0j5IF https://t.co/lDCOO0j5IF
Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Luca Brecel 5-2 in Saudi Arabia to win his fifth title of the campaign. https://t.co/sDRVcLYLvs
Ronnie O’Sullivan wins in Saudi but gets immediate incentive to return – as Golden Ball prize is doubled to $1MILLION | @Rob_Maul https://t.co/heLwDXbeTD https://t.co/heLwDXbeTD
Ronnie O'Sullivan jokes he wants '10-year contract' from Saudis as golden ball prize to be doubled to $1m https://t.co/4s6aT3ir6v
Jeez… no other country can compete with the money being spent on sport by Saudi Arabia these days. I mean: a $1 million prize for a 167 golden ball maximum (147 break + 20 bonus) for next year’s tournament? It’s kinda crazy. #RiyadhSeasonWorldMastersOfSnooker https://t.co/dS25scZ8r8
Ronnie O'Sullivan says he needs 'a few cigarettes' as snooker legend slams opponent after latest win https://t.co/yIm0NIFqYA
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s bitter rival Ali Carter launches stinging attack on World Masters snooker chiefs after scoring gaffe https://t.co/v6gxObgboa https://t.co/v6gxObgboa
Ronnie O'Sullivan branded 'an absolute t***' by fans after thrashing John Higgins in Saudi Arabia event https://t.co/jpTL9ROdK4
World champion Luca Brecel is excited to be among those looking to complete the first ever 167 break after the new golden ball was introduced at #SaudiArabia’s first professional #snooker event this week. https://t.co/ioTQS117dx
Ronnie O'Sullivan risks angering UK fans after Saudi win as John Higgins failed to pot a single ball https://t.co/ntcMVeCSup
Ronnie O’Sullivan made to wait until 3am for debut Saudi win as Rocket blows John Higgins away but falls short of 167 | @Rob_Maul https://t.co/buNcWhLB4o https://t.co/buNcWhLB4o
Scot John Higgins misses out on 'golden' 167 break in Saudi https://t.co/OKLpA9S9BC