Robertson beats O'Sullivan to win Saudi Masters, rises to No.3

Neil Robertson defeated Ronnie OSullivan in a gripping Saudi Arabia Masters final in Jeddah, narrowly winning in a deciding frame to claim the 500,000 top prize and move up to world No.3. The result capped a week in which the Australian showed the resilience that has defined his resurgence and added another milestone to OSullivan’s long record of dramatic finishes.

The final unfolded with Robertson establishing a lead as OSullivan pressed, matching him frame for frame and forcing a late, nerve-jangling finish. After OSullivan produced a late charge, Robertson steadied himself in the closing frames to seal the title in the final frame, underscoring the tight margin between snooker’s two most decorated figures in a match that lived up to expectations as a potential classic. Robertson’s win also marked his 26th ranking title and capped a week in which he demonstrated the sort of consistency that has redefined his career trajectory this season.

Post-match, Robertson summed up the achievement with a blend of humility and astonishment. “Cant explain what this means in words,” he said, reflecting on the significance of beating OSullivan in such a high-stakes setting. He also described...