Ronnie O’Sullivan vowed to pocket the golden ball next year after beating Luca Brecel in the final of the inaugural World Masters of Snooker.
O’Sullivan beat the world champion 5-2 in Saudi Arabia to win his fifth title of the campaign.
But his victory did not include potting the golden ball, which sits on the bottom cushion for as long as a maximum break is possible and is worth £395,000 if potted in addition to the 147.
THE ROCKET IS THE CHAMPION!! 🏆🇸🇦
O'Sullivan is the inaugural @RiyadhSeason World Masters of Snooker Champion after beating Brecel 5-2 in the final finishing in style with a 124 break!#RiyadhSeason | @RonnieO147— WST (@WeAreWST) March 6, 2024
Advertisement
John Higgins came the closest to getting a shot on the golden ball throughout the tournament in Riyadh, but having potted all 15 reds and blacks in the first frame of his second-round match against Mark Williams he ran out of position on the yellow.
O’Sullivan, who pocketed £250,000 by winning the tournament, is keen to achieve the feat at next year’s event.
“It’s been a fantastic tournament, a fantastic venue, the crowd have been amazing,” O’Sullivan told DAZN.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been to the Middle East and to be back here is a treat.
“I’ll get the golden ball next year. I didn’t want to take it all at once.
“I’ll take the tournament this year and then the golden ball next year. It’ll be great.”
O’Sullivan had a break of 95 to take the opening frame but Brecel came back strong in the second to level.
It just had to be Ronnie O'Sullivan 🐐
The Rocket becomes the inaugural champion at the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker 🏆#RiyadhSeason | @RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/f0efDoRIXJ— Eurosport (@eurosport) March 6, 2024
The Belgian took a quickfire third frame with a break of 81 to edge into the lead but a missed black in the next allowed O’Sullivan to tie things up again with a 94 clearance.
And O’Sullivan raced to victory after the interval, with breaks of 121 and 124 securing a 79th professional title.
Runner-up Brecel said: “It’s been a fantastic few days. I’ve really enjoyed playing and I think the crowd has been fantastic.”
