World Masters of Snooker: Ronnie O'Sullivan recovers from 2-1 down to beat Belgium's Luca Brecel 5-2 in final in Saudi Arabia to seal title; Win banks him £250,000; O'Sullivan beat Judd Trump 4-1 in the semi-finals earlier on Wednesday; Brecel beat Mark Allen 4-2 in his semi-final
Wednesday 6 March 2024 23:19, UK
Ronnie O'Sullivan vowed to pocket the golden ball next year after beating Luca Brecel in the final of the inaugural World Masters of Snooker.
O'Sullivan beat the current world champion 5-2 in Saudi Arabia to win his fifth title of the campaign.
But his victory did not include potting the golden ball, which sits on the bottom cushion for as long as a maximum break is possible and is worth £395,000 if potted in addition to the 147.
John Higgins came the closest to getting a shot on the golden ball throughout the tournament in Riyadh, but having potted all 15 reds and blacks in the first frame of his second-round match against Mark Williams he ran out of position on the yellow.
O'Sullivan, who pocketed £250,000 by winning the tournament, is keen to achieve the feat at next year's event.
"It's been a fantastic tournament, a fantastic venue, the crowd have been amazing," O'Sullivan told DAZN.
"It's been a long time since we've been to the Middle East and to be back here is a treat.
"I'll get the golden ball next year. I didn't want to take it all at once.
"I'll take the tournament this year and then the golden ball next year. It'll be great."
O'Sullivan had a break of 95 to take the opening frame but Brecel came back strong in the second to level.
The Belgian took a quickfire third frame with a break of 81 to edge into the lead but a missed black in the next allowed O'Sullivan to tie things up again with a 94 clearance.
And O'Sullivan raced to victory after the interval, with breaks of 121 and 124 securing a 79th professional title.
Runner-up Brecel said: "It's been a fantastic few days. I've really enjoyed playing and I think the crowd has been fantastic."
