JEDDAH – Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has made a triumphant return to form at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in Jeddah, crediting his new cue as a “secret weapon.” Playing with a cue made by fellow professional Sunny Akani, O’Sullivan raced to a dominant 5-0 victory over Joe O’Connor in his opening match.
The “Rocket,” who has an academy in Riyadh and considers this his “home tournament,” delighted local fans with his performance. The 49-year-old, who struggled with form last season, expressed his excitement about the new cue, stating that he asked Akani to make him several more. He praised Akani’s skill, calling him “a very intelligent guy” who makes “unbelievable cues.”
O’Sullivan’s confidence was evident as he secured the win with impressive breaks of 116, 89, 53, and 90. He is now focused on rebuilding his game by playing more regularly, and his strong start in Jeddah signals a promising new season. The victory against O’Connor has propelled him into the last 16 of the tournament, where he will continue his quest for the title.