“Ronnie O’Sullivan Aims for $1 Million Golden Ball Prize at World Masters of Snooker 2025”
Ronnie O’Sullivan has set his sights on a lucrative prize as he plans to return to defend his World Masters of Snooker title in Saudi Arabia next year. The snooker maestro is aiming to bank a staggering $1 million by potting the elusive golden ball, a challenge that eluded him and all other players in…
Ronnie O’Sullivan has set his sights on a lucrative prize as he plans to return to defend his World Masters of Snooker title in Saudi Arabia next year. The snooker maestro is aiming to bank a staggering $1 million by potting the elusive golden ball, a challenge that eluded him and all other players in the recent tournament.
O’Sullivan clinched victory in the inaugural edition of the prestigious event, defeating world champion Luca Brecel 5-2 in Riyadh. While the tournament organizers initially offered a $500,000 reward for any player achieving the feat of potting the golden ball, the unclaimed prize will now double to $1 million for the 2025 World Masters of Snooker.
Expressing his determination, O’Sullivan, who pocketed £250,000 for his latest triumph, stated, “I’ll get there next year. You don’t want to take it all at once. The tournament this year and the golden ball next year. It would be great.”
This victory marks O’Sullivan’s third title of the year, adding to his impressive haul from the Masters at Alexandra Palace and the World Grand Prix in Leicester. The seven-time world champion was effusive in his praise for the new event and the significant investments in sports made by Saudi Arabia.
“You want to make the sport as big as you can make it. Coming to places like this, the Saudis are a powerhouse,” O’Sullivan remarked. He expressed optimism about the impact of the tournament, highlighting the enthusiasm of both players and crowds.
During the prize-giving ceremony, Saudi sports chief Turki Al-Sheikh disclosed discussions with O’Sullivan regarding the possibility of establishing a snooker academy in the kingdom, further solidifying the country’s commitment to the sport’s development.
