In a stunning turn of events, snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has been eliminated from the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, dashing his hopes of securing the tournament’s unprecedented £790,000 Golden Ball prize. The seven-time World Champion fell short in a tense quarterfinal match, marking one of the biggest surprises of the competition so far.
O’Sullivan, who entered the tournament as a favorite, faced off against rising star Zhao Xintong in a thrilling encounter. Despite his reputation for delivering under pressure, O’Sullivan struggled to find his rhythm, allowing Zhao to capitalize on key moments and secure a narrow victory.
The defeat ends O’Sullivan’s chance to compete for the groundbreaking Golden Ball prize, an innovative addition to the tournament offering the opportunity to claim an extraordinary payout. The format, which adds a high-stakes twist to the game, has brought renewed excitement to the sport, but also intensified the competition among the world’s top players.
Speaking after his loss, O’Sullivan remained philosophical. “It’s disappointing, of course, but that’s snooker. Some days the balls just don’t roll your way. Zhao played brilliantly and deserved the win,” he said. “I’ll take this as a learning experience and come back stronger.”
Zhao’s victory has positioned him as one of the top contenders to claim the championship and the Golden Ball prize. The young player praised O’Sullivan after the match, calling him a “legend” and acknowledging the difficulty of competing against one of the game’s greats.
The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, with its record-breaking prize pool and unique format, continues to captivate fans worldwide. The tournament has drawn top talent, including Judd Trump and Mark Selby, both of whom remain in contention as the semifinals approach.
For O’Sullivan, the focus now shifts to upcoming events as he looks to bounce back from this unexpected setback. While his Riyadh journey may be over, his legacy as one of the greatest players in snooker history remains unshaken.
As the championship progresses, the battle for the Golden Ball promises more drama and excitement, ensuring that the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship will be remembered as a landmark event in the sport’s history.