SHAUN MURPHY THRILLS IN RIYADH, SETS THE STAGE FOR A BLOCKBUSTER SHOWDOWN WITH O’SULLIVAN
Shaun “The Magician” Murphy has stormed through to the next round of the 2025 Riyadh Season Snooker Championship with a commanding 4-0 victory over Ziyad Alqabbani. The win sets up an electrifying showdown against none other than Ronnie O’Sullivan later this evening, promising fans an exciting clash between two of the sport’s biggest stars.
The 2025 Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, taking place from November 19 to 21 at the iconic Global Theatre in Riyadh’s Boulevard City, is quickly becoming one of the sport’s most talked-about events. This unique invitational tournament features 12 of the world’s elite snooker players, including the reigning World Champion, defending champion, and two wildcards from Saudi Arabia — Ziyad Alqabbani and Ayman Alamri. The tournament is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious sports vision and is being held in partnership with the World Snooker Tour.
One of the most exciting aspects of this event is the introduction of the 23rd “Riyadh Season” Gold Ball, a new feature that adds an extra layer of drama and reward to the tournament. To claim the Gold Ball, a player must complete a 147 maximum break — an achievement that not only earns them 20 extra points but also opens the door to a super-maximum 167 break, which could potentially earn them a $1 million bonus. This high-stakes twist is sure to keep players and fans on the edge of their seats throughout the competition.
Matches leading up to the semi-finals are being played in a best-of-7 format, with the final match set as a best-of-9. The total prize fund for the event is an eye-watering £785,000, with the winner set to walk away with a hefty £250,000. The runner-up will receive £125,000, while the semi-finalists are guaranteed £75,000. Even players who fall at the first hurdle won’t leave empty-handed, as first-round losers will take home £5,000.
The tournament boasts a star-studded line-up, with top-ranked players such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Allen, John Higgins, Neil Robertson, Ding Junhui, Kyren Wilson, Zhao Xintong, and Mark Williams all vying for the top prize. The level of competition is set to be fierce, and the added drama of the Gold Ball only heightens the excitement.
The 2025 Riyadh Season Snooker Championship is more than just a sporting event — it’s a celebration of snooker’s global reach, with worldwide broadcasting through WST partners and TNT Sports covering the action in the UK. Whether you’re a longtime snooker fan or new to the sport, this event promises thrilling moments, intense rivalries, and the possibility of a historic 167 break. It’s a tournament that’s sure to be remembered for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates as the drama unfolds in Riyadh!
