Players Unhappy As Saudi Arabia Masters Cancelled

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, 1 of nan richest events connected nan World Snooker Tour calendar, has been cancelled, pinch cardinal players unhappy astatine nan announcement.

Former World Championship finalist Barry Hawkins called nan news "very disappointing", saying nan players recovered retired connected Saturday greeting erstwhile they received a "stupid email".

In 2024, a 10-year woody was announced and the inaugural event was fixed nan unofficial title of nan sport's 'fourth major' by organisers.

The ranking tourney was nan richest extracurricular nan UK, pinch a £2.3m prize money and £500,000 for nan victor - adjacent to nan World Championship.

But aft only 2 editions, nan tourney will not beryllium held again.

A connection from nan World Snooker Tour said: "Following constructive discussions betwixt The Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation and Matchroom pursuing nan conclusion of nan 2025 editions, it has been mutually agreed not to proceed pinch early editions of nan World Pool Championship and nan Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters."

Hawkins said he was unhappy pinch really nan players recovered out.

Speaking aft his 13-9 triumph complete Mark Williams connected Saturday successful nan World Championship past 16, Hawkins said: "What a disappointment. Without sounding rude, something's gone incorrect for america to suffer that tournament.

"What's happened to nan 10-year contract? It's conscionable been blown retired of nan water.

"We don't get nary explanation, nothing, which is very, very annoying. We conscionable get immoderate stupid email saying it's been stopped. No explanation, nothing. Very disappointing, it's a monolithic tourney to lose.

"It'd beryllium absorbing to spot nan logic down it."