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Ronnie O'Sullivan makes bold promise for Saudi Arabia after stunning win in Riyadh

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Ronnie O'Sullivan vowed to win the Golden Ball next year after beating Luca Brecel in the final of the inaugural World Masters of Snooker.

O'Sullivan defeated the world champions 5-2 in Saudi Arabia to win his fifth title of the season.

However, his victory did not include potting the golden ball, which sits on the lower band for as long as a maximum break is possible and was worth £395,000 if potted in addition to the 147.

World Snooker said on Thursday that the price of such a break would be doubled in 2025.

John Higgins came closest to a shot at the golden ball during the tournament in Riyadh, but after sinking all 15 reds and blacks in the first frame of his second-round match against Mark Williams, he was out of position on the yellow.

O'Sullivan, who pocketed £250,000 by winning the tournament, wants to achieve the feat at next year's event.

“It was a fantastic tournament, a fantastic venue, the crowd was great,” O'Sullivan told DAZN. “It has been a long time since we were last in the Middle East and it is a pleasure to be here again.

“Next year I will get the golden ball. I didn't want to take everything at once. I'm going to win the tournament this year and the Golden Ball next year. It's going to be great.”

O'Sullivan had a break of 95 to win the first frame, but Brecel came back strongly in the second frame to equalize.

The Belgian made a quick attack in the third frame with a break of 81 to take the lead, but a missed black in the next frame allowed O'Sullivan to equalize with a lead of 94.

And O'Sullivan raced to victory after the break, securing his 79th professional title with breaks of 121 and 124.

Runner-up Brecel said: “It’s been a fantastic few days. I really enjoyed playing and I think the crowd was fantastic.”

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