Ronnie O'Sullivan expressed his determination to claim the golden ball next year following his victory over Luca Brecel in the final of the inaugural World Masters of Snooker.

In Saudi Arabia, O'Sullivan clinched his fifth title of the campaign with a decisive 5-2 victory over the reigning world champion.

However, O'Sullivan's triumph did not involve pocketing the golden ball, positioned on the bottom cushion for the duration of a potential maximum break, which holds a value of £395,000 if sunk alongside a 147.

In a gripping moment during the Riyadh tournament, John Higgins showcased his exceptional skills by flawlessly potting all 15 reds and blacks in the first frame of his second-round match against Mark Williams. However, the excitement turned into disappointment as he ran out of position on the yellow ball, missing the opportunity to take a shot at the elusive golden ball. The golden ball remains on the bottom cushion throughout the tournament and carries a substantial prize of £395,000 if potted in addition to a 147 break. Despite the miss, Higgins' performance demonstrated the fine margins and challenges snooker players face in pursuit of perfection on the table.

Having secured the winner's purse of £250,000 in the tournament, O'Sullivan expressed a strong desire to accomplish the feat of potting the golden ball at the next year's event.

"It's been a fantastic tournament, a fantastic venue, the crowd have been amazing," O'Sullivan told DAZN.

"I'll get the golden ball next year. I didn't want to take it all at once.

"I'll take the tournament this year and then the golden ball next year. It'll be great."

In the opening frame, O'Sullivan secured an impressive break of 95, while Brecel staged a resilient comeback in the second frame, achieving a level score.

Brecel swiftly secured the third frame with an impressive break of 81, taking the lead. However, a missed black in the next frame allowed O'Sullivan to level the score with a 94 clearance.

Following the interval, O'Sullivan swiftly secured victory with breaks of 121 and 124, clinching his 79th professional title.

Runner-up Brecel said: "It's been a fantastic few days. I've really enjoyed playing and I think the crowd has been fantastic."

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