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Robertson reigns in Jeddah after edging O’Sullivan in epic final

Jonathan Davies in Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters

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Ronnie O’Sullivan v Neil Robertson live stream | Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters Final preview

Robertson withstood a spirited O’Sullivan fightback to get his hands on the trophy

Neil Robertson sealed the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters title in dramatic fashion after edging out Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-9 in an epic final.

The Thunder withstood another spirited O’Sullivan fightback from 7-2 down to pocket the bumper first prize of ยฃ500,000, thus ensuring the biggest payday of his career.

Robertson claimed the 26th ranking title of his career, moving joint-sixth with fellow left-hander Mark Williams on the all-time list.

The Australian also climbed to third in the WST rankings, just 16 months after failing to qualify for the World Championship having dropped out of the top 16.

“I can’t possible explain in words what it means,” he told TNT Sports. To play Ronnie in a final of this magnitude – when I was a kid, there’s no way in the world I could’ve dreamt of something like that.

“The way he came back – being in this arena is probably the last place I wanted to be. From 7-2 to 7-7 was just incredible, I barely did anything wrong.

“He was a little bit unlucky in the last couple of frames; he had a couple of splits that didn’t go his way. I’m just incredibly grateful to share this stage with him.

“This is probably the most enjoyable tournament for all the players. The hospitality that everyone puts on for all the players make us feel really special. We don’t always get that, despite the reputation of the game.

“Hopefully, my story can inspire younger generation to never give up. It’s not about how far you fall, it’s about how far you bounce.

“I think this surpasses my World Championship win [in 2010] because I’ve had to answer a lot of questions. To beat [Ronnie] here with so much on the line is definitely my best win.”

This was the eighth final between the players in professional competition and, after the first two frames were shared, Robertson took control by winning five of the next six – hitting breaks of 108, 81 and 61 – for a 6-2 lead.

That became 7-2 thanks to a run of 97 in the opening frame of the evening, with O’Sullivan showing his frustration after running out of position at 40-0 up.

However, the Rocket reeled off breaks of 139, 97, 89, 57 and 80 to win the next five frames and level at 7-7.

Robertson stopped the rot with 75 to regain his advantage but O’Sullivan – seeking his first ranking title since January 2024 – crunched in a long brown to level on the pink, before a run of 64 put him ahead for the first time in the final at 9-8.

Yet, on the brink of defeat, the Australian knocked in a tremendous red to the right centre, which paved the way for a timely 101 to force the event’s second decider in as many finals.

O’Sullivan had the first opportunity, but ran out of position on 35. A slightly loose safety then presented Robertson with half an opportunity and, after a wonderful opening plant, produced a nerveless 87 clearance to snatch victory and scoop the top prize of ยฃ500,000.

“Neil deserved his victory, he was the better player today,” O’Sullivan added. “I just tried to hang onto him and make a game of it.

“I was just pleased I did tonight. At 7-2 down, it looked like it was going to be an early night, so I was pleased to at least take it a little bit longer.

“At the start of the week, I’d have been happy just to win a couple of matches, so to get to the final – I’m very, very happy. I was pleased with my performances.”