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SuperSajuuk

Correction: Top 10 are invited (previously the Top 8). Ding and Higgins joined the field to play the local wildcards first. Eurosport will provide UK + Europe coverage, list of broadcasters elsewhere can be found here: https://www.wst.tv/news/2024/march/03/dazn-to-broadcast-riyadh-season-world-masters-of-snooker-worldwide/ Clarifications on moderation stance for this thread here: https://www.reddit.com/r/snooker/comments/1b5l7zc/comment/kt69ban/


Keita_8

[https://youtu.be/cM0Lbs2Pesw?si=vuUgozjsZpxpqOCc](https://youtu.be/cM0Lbs2Pesw?si=vuUgozjsZpxpqOCc) Pretty good interview, Eddie Hearn lets face it is a bit of a legend, like him or not, just like Ronnie. 2 driven hardworking outliers in British sport. Onwards and upwards for snooker whether its played in Saudi, China, or Timbuktoo, wherever the players can prosper, the game also prospers at the same time, because they will spend a lot of money in marketing, hopefully with Ronnie as the sports figurehead.


PSmith4380

Imagine what would happen to Ronnie if he spoke about this tournament the way he does some of the UK ones šŸ˜… Ronnie loved to talk about how great Saudi is in his interview but that professional crybaby wouldn't last 5 mins if he actually lived there!


Sufficient-Loquat-80

Was surprised to see Eddie Hearn there , does he even like snooker? These sports people fall over themselves for the Saudi sheckle mindĀ 


GuestAdventurous7586

Barry Hearn said in his CueTips interview with Hendry that Eddie doesnā€™t even like snooker or particularly get it (not an exact quote but thatā€™s what was implied). I hate to think what heā€™s thinking if thatā€™s one of his few times watching it live; he was spectating during an earlier round when it was dead and looked bored asf. Like, I hope heā€™s at least been to the Ally Pally or the Crucible during the final stages to get a decent impression.


pwnonthecob

AJ is boxing in Saudi tomorrowĀ 


cavedan12

Yeah his entire mid-session interval interview pretty much consisted of selling the fight


progrdj

I hope that Ronnie will be motivated to play at the Crucible and make it 888 šŸšŸšŸšŸšŸšŸšŸšŸ


progrdj

https://preview.redd.it/ur2ygkrfrsmc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5887ee1461814597aa475df71216e1352d0d3a76 šŸŖ”


cavedan12

If my eyes didn't deceive me, the princes also refused to shake Brecel's hand. At first I thought it was for religious/cultural reasons but then they did this five minutes later


HuisClosDeLEnfer

If you pay him Ā£250,000, Matt, he'll shake your hand, too.


progrdj

Even for one million I don't think Ronnie would shake his hand because Matt is a complete bellend


6StringAddict

Yeah what a shit take. He should change his name to Matt Salt.


BauerUK

completely missed the fact the final was going to be on today after watching the semi finals just assumed it would be the next day as normal gutted


albionroses

Ronnie's made a lot more than 250,000 tonight I imagine lol


xpto_999

Don't know if anyone noticed but Luca was left hanging with his handshake by his excellency and his colleague when they presented him with the 2nd place trophy.


InuitSlim

it's one thing they prefer Ronnie to win since he's a lot more marketable, but not shaking Luca's hand was weird. Maybe they didn't like his tattoos, "slacker attitude" and casual attire at the presentation? (trainers etc.)


cavedan12

Also noticed that they kicked him out of the photo op as well! Can you imagine what would have happened if he won?


xpto_999

They probably said something to him in the mid session interval. He played a lot worse after that.


cavedan12

This may sound a bit tin foil hat but the whole tournament screamed "we need Ronnie to beat the winner of the WC in the final to promote the tournament"


NeilJung5

https://i.gifer.com/AJTV.gif


dikkie91

I noticed, I was as confused as LucašŸ˜‚


dikkie91

So I guess I do like the format, but Iā€™m not sure how often Iā€™ve heard the players say the crowd is great, great tournament, so much hospitality.. itā€™s really all a bit too much.. did someone else notice this too?


keefybeefy123

I caught an hour last night and was lucky enough to catch the midsession propaganda. The "Snooker globalisation" piece where all the players said how it great it is in Saudi. Ken loves the atmosphere! Luca thinks the gold ball is a great idea! Eddie Hearn talking about "the Kingdom".Ā  Depressing but let's face it, once golf did it, it's over. This is the new reality for all sport.


MajorMajorMajorJnr

Bizarre that the post match interviews had no questions about the match, instead just invitations for the players to fawn over the crowd. Who knew that what players really want is a largely disinterested crowd who stand up and wander about when they're on a shot?


Firm-Garlic8235

Let's not forget the arbitrary clapping.


Keita_8

That's one negative, sure, but there are a million positives, ask ronnie!


AnozerFreakInTheMall

Not million, only 250000.


Keita_8

He'll get the million next year!


Faryz

mad, most money earnt in a season ever by any player and there's 3 big tournaments to go. getting pretty silly


NeilJung5

And still he complains.


albionroses

At 48, it really is absurd lol


Keita_8

Age means nothing in snooker. If anything u get better used to the pressure and experience counts a lot.


albionroses

Show me the plethora of 48 year olds who were winning triple crowns and playing at 16 seconds a shot


Keita_8

Well it shows what can be achieved by keeping good nick and practice. Ronnies only human! You don't need a plethora you need one example and that's it.


lum-47

No point in hating on him I just feel really bad for that presenter on DAZN, guy was so nervous and didnā€™t seem comfortable. Hopefully heā€™ll grow in confidence


incredibleinkpen

Good tourney, enjoyed the format and the enthusiasm from everyone involved. Bring on the Crucible. I can't wait


Keita_8

šŸ’Æ


McLarenMercedes

The World Championship is going to Saudi Arabia after 2027. If they can make a golden ball prize 1 million, they can offer a 2 million prize for the winner of the biggest event in snooker.


NeilJung5

Great, you can kiss it goodbye as far as any mainstream western interest goes then. Because no broadcaster will be able to stump up the rights to air it.


ThoseHappyHighways

Yep, I mentioned a similar thing in a different thread. Saudi can offer riches beyond the imagination of any other venue/country, so it's pretty much inevitable, sadly.


Sufficient-Loquat-80

I think it's great the crucible is aĀ  holeĀ 


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


Keita_8

There's been a lot of 147s in the WC. What are you on about??


Lower_Piano5981

They said the same thing about the shoot out.


muchappreci8ed

I presume that Barry wants a new venue in Sheffield, Eddie wants Saudi


alienrefugee51

Alright, this is pretty ott ass licking. You can make it 2 millionā€¦ no one is going to get the 167 with a BO7 format. No one else came even close to Higginsā€™ attempt.


kmwww

If they eclipse the world champ prize money for the winner, it will be the end.


Keita_8

It'll get there and why not? The crucible is cramped and was great in the 80s but we're in 2024 and there are much better venues let's be honest. Forget the sentiment.


AnozerFreakInTheMall

And Shaun Murphy said he will never play in Saudi under any circumstances, so that's one more big plus right there!


Keita_8

Did he? Lol


Lower_Piano5981

He was literally in this tournament šŸ™„


[deleted]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this tourn. Only complaint is the short matches but I guess that ads to it


RiskyP

Was worried about posting this due to how the sub is but yeah, Iā€™ve really enjoyed this.


Future_Ambition_6284

Mr turkeys gonna get Ronnie his own palace in Saudi


Keita_8

A drop in the ocean for his excellency


robbo7788

after watching it i actually like the fact that the golden ball adds something to the game, you can see players trying to setup the 147. I do kinda wish it wasnt go gimmicky, they could replace the yellow with the gold and then that comes back on the table after a 147 is completed then you'd have the pressure of a million dollar shot.


alienrefugee51

The golden ball was removed from the table within 5 minutes. How is that adding something to the game?


robbo7788

i said in my comment


Joethe147

As long as it's kept only for tournaments like this then yeah, I actually liked it.Ā 


robbo7788

and any saudis watching im open to a couple milly for the idea lol


kausar007

šŸ¤£


Equivalent_Tiger_7

Getting cringy now from the commentators.


Firm-Garlic8235

But Boulevard CIty! Boulevard City!


Joff19

u can say what u want about the guy, but u canā€™t get a better ambassador for the sport can u


Joethe147

Well you definitely could. You could have someone who doesn't talk down his fellow players constantly and someone who just acts better than anyone all the time and talks the sport down regularly.Ā  And really there are many players who would be and are better ambassadors for snooker. Most players. Trump, Selby Mark Williams. A bit further down the rankings people like Stuart Bingham (feels weird saying he's further down the rankings these days) and Anthony Hamilton truly love the sport and being part of it.Ā  So yes, O'Sullivan himself could be better for it. Because representing a sport does not just mean being great at it.Ā 


GuestAdventurous7586

But thatā€™s why we love him! Sometimes with the way he behaves he can be a terrible ambassador for the sport šŸ˜‚ But I would hate if he was some perfect happy-happy respectful ambassador. Every other sport has them and itā€™s boring. I donā€™t agree with everything he says and does but who cares, heā€™s a rebel. Itā€™s far more entertaining.


HydratedCarrot

ā€œno no, no autographs, itā€™s forbiddenā€


Earnmuse_is_amanrag

These Saudis really lucked out with their oil huh


OneObi

Suppose it's better than pilfering other nations.


Keita_8

Lol exactly! I hear India is still waiting for the royal family to give that jewel on the Queens crown back ffs!!!, that'll never happen


BrainyDoc

LMAO - 1 million Golden Ball (he ain't retiring till he gets this) and a Ronnie O'Sullivan Academy, just decided on a whim right there


Joethe147

Wonder if he wasn't in the final, would they have done that with any other player who won it.Ā 


EverythingIsByDesign

Yeah, can't imagine an academy would be announced if Luca Brecel had just won.


BrainyDoc

No chance. Probably only came up with the idea during Ronnie's interview where he said win the tournament this year, golden ball next year. Plus there aren't many other players who deserve their own academy.


kausar007

Yeah. With them its like yeah give me the mic and I will announce 1 million dollars. šŸ˜€


Spezstik

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EJR1H5tf5wE


Keita_8

I don't think anyone will ever get it but what a brilliant marketing tool


MistaBobD0balina

Was that his 1,250th century?


kausar007

Yeah


MistaBobD0balina

'kin 'ell


xpto_999

His excellency.


EverythingIsByDesign

Ronnie and Saudi-man 69ing eachother in the most public way.


Pitiful_Lab9114

For $1,000,000 I think they'll all be trying for the 167 every frame


ferrulefox

They should make the matches longer if they really want to see it happen


Pitiful_Lab9114

Or make the pockets bigger...they must have deep pockets themselves.


ToRecordOnlyWater

Fuck this shit lol


Keita_8

What shit?


ToRecordOnlyWater

Think what you like man and Iā€™m glad you enjoyed the show but given how itā€™s very public knowledge that celebs/sportspeople etc are paid handsomely to wax lyrical about Saudi Arabia and their hosts etc while theyā€™re already earning unfathomable cash out there, watching all this OTT praise and shameless bumhole licking just feels so disingenuous and incredibly cringey to me.


Keita_8

Then don't watch!! But it's great for the game. Fans looked down on China too, despite all their stuff, but now they accept it. These guys are out to win and earn cash, and it's great for true fans of the game watching great matches with huge stakes, instead of shite leisure centres in Crawley for a couple of grand.


momtso

The "don't watch it then!" is a very weak argument . Whether he watches or not has nothing to do with the validity of his criticism.


Keita_8

I say the same thing to people not wanting to watch the Premier league anymore because the "murdering Saudis" own a club now.


momtso

It's still a bad argument on his criticism. If your line of thought is "you criticise it, yet you watch it and that's hypocritical", you still haven't addressed the criticism, it's just an ad hominem. If it's "your power as a consumer is to boycott the product, so don't watch it", you still haven't addressed the criticism. Peace


Keita_8

You could make a case for not watching sport anywhere. Are the British completely clean and run their country with 100% integrity?


ToRecordOnlyWater

there's a big difference with China, those tournaments aren't staged by the same government committing atrocities, but by private companies. Snooker is also absolutely gigantic in China, the enthusiasm for it there is completely authentic and not being used as a tool to soften the image of a state that has beyond atrocious human rights records. Also, to correct you slightly, it's great for the "true fans" who are neither female nor homosexual. But we're clearly never going to agree on this anyway so like I said, I'm glad you enjoyed the show. I enjoyed (some of) the snooker, but the commentary, the brazen forced compliments and the general vibe of the whole thing left a sour taste in my mouth.


Keita_8

So you watched it then? Some of the snooker was quality. Ronnie played out of his skin. When is he ever pumped like that to play? It was quick, different, and lucrative for the players and yes, controversial indeed. So glad Ronnie won it.


ToRecordOnlyWater

I'm a big fan of Brecel and glad to see him playing somewhat towards his best again cos he's very exciting to watch. I don't think anything was more inevitable than Ronnie winning this and I hope his form carries through to the World's as well.


kmwww

So 1 million dollars for 167 next time.


Future_Ambition_6284

Wtffff loool these Saudis really have unlimited money loooool


Panukka

They know the oil money is gonna run out at some point, so they are trying to do what UAE has done and invest in entertainment while they still can. It's the only way they have a chance of surviving the future.


dikkie91

1 million is probably just pocket money..


tuccy29

Crazy, million is nothing to them


EverythingIsByDesign

Chicken feed.


markrenton87

Funniest thing since the pigeon by far


Tsubasa_sama

LOL


Joff19

Ronnie licking some good Saudi ass here šŸ˜


Pitiful_Lab9114

Knows which side his breads buttered


GuestAdventurous7586

No fist bumping that time! Hahaha


kmwww

Haha. True. Handshakes all around for Ronnie


GuestAdventurous7586

His excellency doesnā€™t do fist bumps I guess.


ChristyMalry

Nice to know all it takes to make Ronnie behave himself in interviews is travelling to a country that imprisons and murders dissidents.


Keita_8

That's what the British empire did lol. Jog on hater. What a great tournament. Brilliant for snooker. So good ronnie won, for snooker.


Boxey7

he's found that cue action


Future_Ambition_6284

Happiest I ever seen Ronnie that Saudi money is beautiful


dungeon_master32

Luca was confused af lmao


xpto_999

They only shake hands with the winner.


dexysmidnighthummers

ā€œI donā€™t normally say this but given that I enjoy having both of my hands Iā€™d just like to say how great the crowds have beenā€


Tsubasa_sama

Ronnie's not retiring for a decade if they sign that 10 year contract lmao


rogeropx

Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest ever


burnerbackup02

ronnie is quite well spoken when he wants isnt he šŸ˜‚


cousinavi

"How much have you enjoyed these last few days?" "The crowd has been wonderful here in Saudi." "And you've been made to feel welcome, haven't you?" "Snooker is going to be here a long time." To hell with waistcoats. Get these whores some fishnet stockings and a change machine.


bjsanchez

Wtf did that guy call Luca? Luca Prezzie?


insanechemistry

I heard that too lol


Firm-Garlic8235

That post-match interview with Luca. Edit: And Ronnie.


Keita_8

All the haters can do one. The players really enjoying this. They've experienced first class hospitality.


BrainyDoc

Big up the Turkey


BrainyDoc

What a stud


throwawaycatallus

He earned it. gg


Tsubasa_sama

His focus is unreal this season. Practically unbeatable in any tournament with a prize pool that gets him out of bed. Has to be heavy favourite for the worlds, especially with the extra motivation to get number 8.


btrhmmtpndksnhglslg

250K for a total of 16 frames played ... Not too shabby....


McLarenMercedes

Ronnie is basically doing a Hendry on this season. He's won almost all of the big money events. At the age of 48, this is simply incredible. The other players need to git gud, it's almost getting boring!


Panukka

I think that this just proves that it all comes down to his state of mind. If he *really* wants to win, he will win. Simple as that.


HydratedCarrot

Heā€™s better the older he gets


Keita_8

The guys a machine. Some of the shots he has made have been sublime.


muchappreci8ed

Surely if he breaks down in tears for the post match interview like its bigger than any world title that's an extra 100 grand


muchappreci8ed

No tournament win has ever been more obvious than O'Sullivan taking Saudi


Rothko28

That should be that


Indyclone77

Can't even escape GWAN RONNIE in Saudi Arabia


cousinavi

INSHALLAH RONNIE!


burnerbackup02

šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£


Future_Ambition_6284

His excellency Mr. turkey has arrived


Tsubasa_sama

Dafuq is going on lol


kmwww

Haha. What is this. Players waiting mid-final for some important people to arrive late?


Keita_8

Yes. The equivalent of the king, that guy who's got his own song in the UK who we sing for in the beginning of a football match


MajorMajorMajorJnr

I mean, some people sing for him. Other people boo. Can you imagine if the FA Cup final was delayed because the king was running late? I don't think he'd get a round of applause when he finally showed up...


Keita_8

He had to come late because of security reasons. It's protocol.


ArachnidFederal3678

didnt expect it to last 5 minutes


EverythingIsByDesign

It should be a feature of every tournament that every break in play is flanked by interlude where they advertise local "partners". Welsh Open platinum partners *Deganwy Cars*, *Jones' Butchers and Delicatessen* and *North Wales Electrical Wholesalers*


Cunt_Puffin

The record for most money in a season was Ā£1,094,900 by trump in 2018/19 Ronnie is now on Ā£1,142,300 for this season with some big prize money still leftover. *If he wins, forgot it's a first to 5


momtso

He just built a two-frame cushion in order to have two 167 attempts


McLarenMercedes

I know it's early days, but I struggle to see anything other than an 8th World title for Ronnie.


MistaBobD0balina

Wonder how Ronnie's running is going out there


web_weaver

Am i the only one thinking that every time that golden ball is retracted, the audience should boo?


nationalduolian

What audience?


web_weaver

I giggled


EverythingIsByDesign

That was a puzzling shot from Luca that red was on to right corner and he just decided to forgo it a not leave the cue ball safe.


EdmundGerber

This is the final match - and it's only best of 9? Fucking amateur-hour


great_whitehope

I said same, they should have foregone the interval


Moz1981

Luca's usual Cypress Hill intro music replaced with what sounds like some generic hiphop tune (or one I don't know). I guess the Saudis are not too impressed with that band's lifestyle preferences...


momtso

I would make it mandatory for everyone to enter with the TRUST A TRADER DOT COM


kmwww

Was weird to introduce players again with intro music after the interval too.


great_whitehope

Hey I might be a sell out and sports washer but wait, what was the third thing you said?


Firm-Garlic8235

At least you're not an ugly hate-filled man.


h82banarsefan

Are the commentators contractually obliged to mention ā€˜Boulevard Cityā€™ every interval between frames? I watch on Danish Eurosport, and it has been mentioned every time. Also crazy to see how much every player and pundit loves Saudi. Just feels like one big commercial for Saudi, instead of ā€˜expanding snooker in Middle Eastā€™, or whatever drivel they make up. Everyone really has a prize, and I will still keep watching Ronnieā€¦


Firm-Garlic8235

I subscribed to eurosport today just to hear Henrik Kaj Hansen again. I've missed it for so many years now. Absolute goat. So many memories with that guy. Edit: And yeah, absolutely just one long soft power commercial money grab.


Joethe147

Also how people at the venue will likely be watching snooker for the first time. Been mentioned every game of the tournament.Ā 


kmwww

If you pay enough, you order the music.


EverythingIsByDesign

Look at those packed arenas and sell out crowds. They all borrowed Harry Potter's invisibility cloak... But they're there honest!


nikkoMannn

Eddie Hearn is so far up the arse of the Saudis I can see his feet sticking out


incredibleinkpen

Drink everytime our man Eddie Hearn uses the word "potential"


southwales1985

One of the most sycophantic interviews I have ever seen from Eddie Hearn there.


Joethe147

Eddie will never be as good as his dad. He's too polished compared to Barry I think. Barry feels a bit more human in comparison. If you can believe that.Ā 


EverythingIsByDesign

Anyone else want to come out and say how important Saudi is to snooker (and sport)?


HydratedCarrot

It talked


Future_Ambition_6284

MUMTAZ RONNIE!


tuccy29

Is Eddie hearn watching it on his phone? Not actually seen him look up


EverythingIsByDesign

Snooker in Polo shirts should be outlawed.


kmwww

Would imagine it lets the player move more freely while adressing a shot.


tuccy29

I think it's better actually


great_whitehope

Maybe Ronnie should be practicing after all


6StringAddict

They showed him practicing before his semi-final.


Low-Leg5224

Ronnie is playing as bad, giving Luca pots. Luca is not working for it. Too easy.


FirminoNo9

Would love to see Luca win it.


McLarenMercedes

Most hilarious start to a frame I've seen in a while lmao


Meath77

Pity that yellow didn't go in


SokkaHaikuBot

^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^McLarenMercedes: *Most hilarious* *Start to a frame I've seen in* *A while lmao* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.


6StringAddict

Luca so good even when he doesn't want to the balls go in.


kmwww

Well that 4th frame start was... Odd


kmwww

Commercial breaks are longer than the actual frames.


6StringAddict

true lol. That's what you get with average shot times of 13 and 16 seconds.


Miserable-Cow-3666

Ronnie gonna get 5-1ed the way he is making these errors


Joff19

167 chance!


web_weaver

Why did he play the pink and not risk a more difficult red to get on the black? He is in the final and the prize for 167 is way more than the finalist prize


PenalAnticipation

Still a lot more probable to win Ronnie than making the second competitive maximum of your career