Ronnie O'Sullivan risks angering UK snooker fans with comment after John Higgins whitewash in Saudi

Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has risked angering fans from the United Kingdom with comments made in an interview after his debut at the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker.

The tournament, featuring the best players in the world, kicked off on Monday.

Seven-time world champion O'Sullivan played his first game late on Tuesday evening and put on an absolute clinic.

He whitewashed John Higgins 4-0 in the quarter-final and accrued 489 points, with the Scot failing to pot a single ball in the contest.

In fact, Higgins' only points in the match came from an O'Sullivan foul.

Although he was unable to win the 'Golden Ball' and scoop a £395,000 prize, 'Rocket' produced three century breaks .

The inaugural tournament has come under scrutiny for an empty opening ceremony, while some people blamed the fans for Higgins' unsuccessful 167 maximum break attempt against Mark Williams.

But O'Sullivan, who was seen wearing traditional headdress, is in favour of World Snooker Tour introducing more international events.

Image: Getty

"I prefer it," he said in an interview with Eurosport.

"I don't drink, I don't go out partying so this is a great place for me.

"In the UK it's all pubs, drinking so it's not my cup of tea and coming to a place like this I feel like I can just chill out and have a nice time."

O'Sullivan is in action against on Wednesday in the semi-final, taking on Judd Trump.

The winner will come up against the victor of the semi-final between Mark Allen and 2023 world champion Luca Brecel.

O'Sullivan had promised to find the Golden Ball, the innovation brought in to increase the maximum break to 167 for the tournament.

Image: Getty

The first person to do it will bag a hefty prize fund but with the 23rd ball sitting on the baulk cushion, it is no easy task.

And after being able to achieve the feat in his first match, O'Sullivan says he isn't too fussed.

"I don't actually play for the prize money," he stated.

"I just play for the enjoyment and have a bit of fun.The prize money is a bit of a bonus."

Topics: Ronnie OSullivan, Snooker, Saudi Arabia

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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