Neil Robertson Topples Snooker’s GOAT: Thrilling Saudi Final Win Over O’Sullivan Marks Career-Defining Moment
Neil Robertson has scaled nearly every peak that professional snooker has to offer, yet his recent 10-9 victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters stands out as perhaps his most meaningful triumph.
Despite having previously claimed titles at the World Championship, the UK Championship (three times), and the Masters (twice), the Australian ace described this win as his “best” yet — and not just because of the eye-watering £500,000 prize. The emotional weight of defeating O’Sullivan, widely regarded as the sport’s greatest of all time, on such a grand stage meant far more to the 43-year-old.
The final, held in Jeddah, came on the heels of O’Sullivan’s jaw-dropping semi-final display, where he crafted back-to-back 147 breaks against Chris Wakelin — a feat that raised the stakes and expectations sky-high. Early in the final, Robertson looked to be cruising as he surged to a dominant 7-2 lead. However, the Rocket, ever the comeback king, stormed back to level the score at 7-7, threatening to turn the match into one of his trademark reversals.
But Robertson held his nerve in the face of immense pressure, ultimately clinching the deciding frame in a nail-biting finish. Speaking to TNT Sports after lifting the trophy, Robertson was visibly moved. “I can’t possibly explain in words what it means,” he said. “To beat Ronnie in a final like this — I could never have imagined it growing up in Australia.”
This win not only reaffirms his elite status in the sport but also quells any self-doubt that may have crept in during the more challenging periods of his career. It’s a timely reminder of his class and resilience, and it might just reignite his pursuit of a second Crucible title — a feat many believe he is still more than capable of achieving.
