Ronnie O’Sullivan failed to pocket the special golden ball in a practice session leading up to the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship. Known as ‘The Rocket,’ he aims to avoid a similar mistake during the tournament as he eyes a second title victory.
The championship has introduced a unique golden ball worth an additional 20 points, left on the table as long as a player can achieve a maximum 147 break. If a player successfully completes a 147 break, they have the opportunity to pot the golden ball for a record-breaking 167 break.
The stakes are high, with the player achieving this feat set to receive a significant £760,000 ($1 million) bonus, more than triple the £250,000 prize for the tournament winner. However, O’Sullivan’s practice session highlighted the challenge of potting the golden ball.
A video shared by the World Snooker Tour on social media showed nine out of the 12 competitors potting a black ball before attempting the golden ball. O’Sullivan was the first to try but saw his shot bounce off the cushion.
Fortunately, O’Sullivan was not alone in missing the shot. Other players like Neil Robertson, Zhao Xintong, Shaun Murphy, and Ding Junhui will also be hoping for better luck if they get the opportunity during their matches.
Meanwhile, Mark Williams, Mark Allen, and John Higgins are eager for their practice to pay off after successfully potting the golden ball. Kyren Wilson even displayed his confidence with a no-look shot.
O’Sullivan will begin his campaign on Wednesday evening against either Shaun Murphy or Ziyad Alqabbani. The 49-year-old secured victory in the inaugural tournament in March 2024, defeating Luca Brecel in the final. While he aims for another title in Riyadh, O’Sullivan expressed his desire to be the first to achieve a 167 break.
The championship, featuring the world’s top 10 players and two Saudi Arabian wildcards, will conclude with the semi-finals and final on Friday, November 21.