Ronnie O’Sullivan explained why the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker is one of the “tournaments you want to play in.”
O’Sullivan is the world No. 1 but is often willing to sit out tournaments if he feels they would be to his detriment, and often prioritises playing Chinese tournaments where he has sung the praises of organisers.
This week, snooker came to Saudi Arabia with the world’s top 10 and two wildcard players, and O’Sullivan won the first-ever edition of the competition, beating Luca Brecel 5-2 in Wednesday evening’s final.
The 48-year-old secured £250,000 for his victory, and speaking after the win, he described the various aspects that he enjoyed.
"It's been a fantastic tournament, brilliant venue," said O'Sullivan.
"These are the tournaments you want to play in - one table, great crowd, great atmosphere and the music was going in between the frames.
"It was like we were in some sort of rave."
The tournament has a unique aspect - a golden ball worth 20 points that is on the top cushion of the table and is present until the chance of a maximum break is passed over.
Nobody won it this time, though John Higgins came close, and the £395,000 prize pot for golden ball maximum will be doubled for the next time the event is held.
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