RIYADH — Ronnie O'Sullivan staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Kyren Wilson 6-5 in a gripping quarter-final clash at the Saudi Arabia Masters, securing his place in the last four of the inaugural event.
A Slow Start for The Rocket
O'Sullivan, the world number one, found himself trailing 5-3 against a determined Wilson, who capitalized on early mistakes to build a commanding lead. The Englishman struggled with consistency in the opening frames, allowing Wilson to seize control with breaks of 89 and 72. "I wasn’t at my best early on, but I knew I had to dig deep," O'Sullivan admitted post-match.
The Turning Point
The match shifted in the ninth frame when O'Sullivan, facing elimination, produced a stunning century break (112) to stay alive. The momentum swung decisively in his favor as he leveled the match at 5-5 with another dominant display in the tenth frame. "That century was crucial—it gave me the belief I could turn it around," he said.
Key Moments of the Match
- Frame 3: Wilson’s 89 break put him 2-1 ahead.
- Frame 6: O'Sullivan missed a crucial pink, allowing Wilson to extend his lead to 4-2.
- Frame 9: O'Sullivan’s 112 clearance kept him in contention.
- Decider: A composed 65 break sealed the victory for The Rocket.
Wilson’s Frustration
Kyren Wilson, who had looked poised for victory, expressed disappointment after letting the match slip. "Ronnie showed why he’s the greatest—he just never gives up," Wilson conceded. The world number 12 rued missed opportunities, particularly in the ninth frame where a loose safety shot allowed O'Sullivan back into the match.
O'Sullivan’s Post-Match Reflections
O'Sullivan praised Wilson’s performance but highlighted his own resilience. "Kyren played well, but I’ve been in these situations before. You just have to trust your game," he said. The seven-time world champion also acknowledged the significance of the event: "Saudi Arabia is a new frontier for snooker, and it’s great to be part of it."
What’s Next?
O'Sullivan advances to the semi-finals, where he will face either Judd Trump or Luca Brecel. The Saudi Arabia Masters, snooker’s first ranking event in the Middle East, has drawn a star-studded field, with O'Sullivan now the favorite to claim the £250,000 top prize.
The match was a testament to O'Sullivan’s enduring class under pressure. Despite trailing for much of the contest, his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most once again proved the difference. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether The Rocket can maintain this form and add another trophy to his legendary career.
