Neil Robertson has revealed insights into his strong connection with Ronnie O’Sullivan, describing it as “exceptionally meaningful.” The Australian snooker player recently defeated the seven-time world champion in a tense final to secure the Saudi Arabia Masters title.
Despite their competitive history on the snooker table, Robertson emphasized the deep friendship he shares with O’Sullivan beyond the sport. He mentioned how O’Sullivan regularly supports and encourages him to achieve greater success, highlighting the inspiration he draws from the snooker legend.
Reflecting on their thrilling match, Robertson acknowledged the intense challenge O’Sullivan presented and expressed his gratitude for being able to triumph in the closely contested final. He considered the match to be one of the most memorable finals in snooker history, emphasizing the pressure and resilience required to secure victory against such a formidable opponent.
The match in Jeddah saw Robertson initially take a significant lead, only to face a remarkable comeback from O’Sullivan, resulting in a tense 10-9 victory for Robertson. This win not only earned him a £500,000 prize but also propelled him to the third position in the world rankings, behind Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson.
While Robertson claimed a substantial prize similar to that of the World Snooker Championship winner Zhao Xintong, O’Sullivan secured a respectable £200,000 as the runner-up. O’Sullivan now shifts his focus to the upcoming British Open qualification match against Lam Sanderson on Friday.