The first match of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters featured Abdullah Alotayyani taking on Ben Mertens, with Alotayyani looking to challenge the Belgian talent. Oliver Lines secured a 4-0 victory over Faisal Bahashwan, restricting his opponent to only 37 points in four frames. Lines struggled with the reactive table but managed to advance to the second round, where he will face Ben Woollaston. Lines acknowledged that he has areas to improve on but appreciated the opportunities provided by the best of seven format, which he described as a leveller.
Lines dominated the match against Bahashwan, holding a commanding lead throughout. Despite some errors and missed opportunities from both players, Lines capitalized on his opponent’s technical weaknesses to secure the win. With a break of 82 in the first frame, Lines settled any early nerves and established a comfortable lead in the race to four frames. The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters marks a significant return of the World Snooker circuit to the Middle East after several years, with a record £500,000 prize awaiting the winner of the tournament.
The tournament features some of the best snooker players in the world, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Allen. With a total prize pot of £2.3 million, the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters promises high-stakes competition and intense action for fans and players alike. Eurosport commentator Dave Hendon has praised the tournament, labeling it the ‘fourth major’ of the sport and predicting its rise to second place behind the prestigious World Championship. The event is set to be broadcast live on Eurosport and discovery+.
The match between Lines and Bahashwan showcased a mix of nerves and missed opportunities, with Lines ultimately coming out on top. The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters is expected to be a captivating event with 144 players competing for the coveted first prize. As the tournament kicks off in Riyadh, the excitement and anticipation among fans, players, and commentators are palpable. The unique setting and substantial prize money add to the prestige of the event, making it a significant moment in the snooker calendar. With talented players vying for success on the baize, the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters promises to deliver thrilling matches and exciting moments for snooker fans worldwide.
