Fate’s twist: how Neil Robertson nearly missed Saudi Snooker Masters title

ISLAMABAD: After winning the Saudi Snooker Masters title and a $500,000 prize, Australia’s Neil Robertson spoke about an unexpected turn of events that nearly cost him both.

On August 16, Neil Robertson clinched the Saudi Snooker Masters title by defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-9 in a nerve-racking final that went down to the deciding frame.

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The victory earned Robertson a $500,000 prize and lifted him to third place in the world rankings.

Neil Robertson heads to wrong location

Talking about the ‘mishap’ during an interview, Neil Robertson revealed that it was a taxi mishap before the final, which has almost derailed his preparations, with the driver heading to the wrong location.

“Ahead of the final, I booked a courtesy car and we’re waiting outside the hotel and he’s not turned up – because he drove to the venue instead of the hotel,” he said.  

“This stuff just happens to me. You know these times when I drive to the wrong place – it’s not my fault

Robertson laughed and added, “I’m telling you, all these things, they’re not all my fault!”

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The snooker player, nicknamed the ‘Thunder from Down Under’, said, “So it was lucky we planned to get to the venue so early, which allowed me to get here an hour before.

Saudi title ‘biggest of my career’

Neil Robertson described the Saudi Snooker Masters title win as the biggest of his career, surpassing even his 2010 World Championship triumph.

“This is the greatest victory of my life,” Robertson said, noting that the prize money was double what he earned at the Crucible 15 years ago.

The final between Robertson and O’Sullivan was a rollercoaster.

After trailing 7-2, O’Sullivan mounted a spirited comeback, stringing together three frames in a row and marking his 1,300th century break.

But Robertson held his nerve, sealing the decider after Ronnie O’Sullivan faltered in the 19th frame.

Earlier in the tournament, Robertson had booked his place in the final with a 6-3 win over Elliot Slessor, while O’Sullivan reached the showdown in style, recording two maximum 147 breaks in the semi-final.

Neil Robertson, who recently failed to qualify for the World Championship, credited coach Joe Perry and sports psychologist Helen Davies for helping him rebuild confidence.

He said part of his winnings would go towards his other passion – golf.

Despite the loss, O’Sullivan, who is in his 49th year, reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s greats.

Neil Robertson paid tribute to his rival, saying: “Ronnie often calls me and wants to see me do well. Growing up, he was one of my inspirations. To now beat him in a final of this magnitude is very special.”

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The Saudi Masters, backed by the kingdom’s investment in global sports, has been hailed as a landmark event in snooker, drawing worldwide attention and marking a new chapter for the game.