The Saudi Arabia Masters 2025 concluded in dramatic fashion as Australia’s Neil Robertson lifted the coveted trophy after a nail-biting 10–9 victory over snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan. In front of a captivated audience, the final proved to be a classic showdown between two of the sport’s greatest entertainers, delivering everything from high breaks to tense tactical exchanges.
From the very start, the atmosphere was electric. Robertson, known as “The Thunder from Down Under,” showed his trademark attacking flair, potting long reds with ease and constructing precise breaks that put him in early control. However, against *The Rocket*, nothing comes easy. Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time World Champion, responded in kind with his fluid cue action and natural genius, quickly leveling the match. The first session ended evenly poised, setting the stage for an epic second half.
As the frames ticked by, neither player could establish a clear lead. Robertson’s calm composure and clinical finishing contrasted with O’Sullivan’s brilliance and unpredictability. At one point, O’Sullivan surged ahead, thrilling his fans with a masterful clearance that reminded everyone why he is regarded as the greatest of all time. But Robertson refused to be shaken, answering with back-to-back centuries that drew loud applause from the packed arena.
The tension reached its peak when the score stood at 9–9. With everything riding on the deciding frame, the final became a battle of nerves as much as skill. Robertson opened with a bold long pot and gradually built his break, carefully negotiating clusters and avoiding mistakes. O’Sullivan had a half-chance to counter, but a missed red proved costly. Seizing the opportunity, Robertson cleared to the pink, raising his cue aloft in triumph as the crowd erupted.
The victory was monumental for Robertson, not only for the prestige of winning one of snooker’s richest invitational events but also for the personal achievement of overcoming O’Sullivan in such dramatic circumstances. The champion received a staggering £500,000 prize, equivalent to around 22 million baht, cementing his status among the highest earners in the sport. For his part, O’Sullivan, gracious in defeat, walked away with £200,000 (9 million baht) as runner-up.
Speaking after the match, Robertson described the win as one of the proudest moments of his career. “To beat Ronnie in a final like this means everything,” he said. “We both pushed each other to the limit, and I’m just delighted to come out on top. The atmosphere here in Saudi Arabia has been incredible.”
O’Sullivan, despite the heartbreak of defeat, praised his opponent. “Neil played superbly. He held his nerve when it mattered most. I gave it everything, but sometimes you just have to take your hat off to the better man on the day.”
The Saudi Arabia Masters 2025 will be remembered as a tournament that showcased snooker at its very best skill, drama, and heart-stopping tension. And for Neil Robertson, it was the night he etched his name once more into the sport’s rich history, proving why he remains one of snooker’s most formidable champions.
