Heartbreak in Boulevard City: Power Failure and Misstep Deny Zhang Anda $1M Golden Ball Glory

Just when it seemed snooker had shown all its dramatic possibilities, the sport delivered another unforgettable moment of heartbreak. Zhang Anda came agonizingly close to a history-making 167 break and the coveted $1 million Golden Ball prize during the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship. But fate, in the form of a power failure, had other plans.

The tournament’s Golden Ball prize, the richest in snooker history, rewards players who complete a traditional 147 break and then pot the 37th ball—a special golden ball on the baulk cushion—adding 20 extra points. Zhang appeared destined to achieve this feat in his first-round match against Ahmed Aseeri. After flawlessly pocketing seven red-black combinations, Zhang had amassed a break of 65 and was firmly on course for snooker immortality.

Then, in a shocking twist, the arena was plunged into darkness due to a power outage. The unexpected disruption broke Zhang’s momentum, leaving both him and the audience stunned. When play resumed, Zhang fought valiantly to regain his rhythm. However, his break ended at 97 when an awkward shot on the 13th red led to an unfortunate miscue.

Adding to his agony, Zhang had another chance at a 167 just two frames later. This time, it was an unforced error—a missed red to the bottom corner using the rest—that dashed his hopes.

The $1 million Golden Ball prize remains elusive, leaving Zhang to reflect on what might have been. His near-miss serves as a reminder of snooker’s capacity for both triumph and heartbreak.