The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship 2025 launched in spectacular fashion on Wednesday, 19th November, transforming the Global Theater in Boulevard City into a hub of world-class sporting drama. The event kicked off with a full house of enthusiastic spectators, creating an electric atmosphere befitting one of snooker's most prestigious global tournaments.
Opening Day Delivers High-Stakes Action
The first day of competition featured four intense matches that showcased both established legends and promising new talent. The line-up was a who's who of snooker, including English icons Ronnie O'Sullivan and Shaun Murphy, Scottish veteran John Higgins, and Chinese maestro Ding Junhui. The championship also marked a significant moment for Saudi snooker, with local players Ziyad Al Qabbani and Ayman Alamri making their tournament debuts against these international giants.
Match Results and Standout Performances
The action commenced with England's Shaun Murphy taking on Saudi Arabia's Ziyad Al Qabbani. Despite a commendable effort from the local contender, Murphy dominated the table, securing a 4-0 victory. His performance was marked by impressive breaks, including high scores of 83, 128, 65, and 125 across the four frames.
In the following match, China's Ding Junhui faced another Saudi talent, Ayman Alamri. Ding's aggressive and precise play earned him a 4-0 win, though Alamri demonstrated fierce competitive spirit, notably scoring 64 points in the opening frame.
The evening's most anticipated clash saw a showdown between English rivals Shaun Murphy and Ronnie O'Sullivan. In a surprising turn, Murphy continued his dominant form, defeating O'Sullivan 4-0. The match was a showcase of skill, with Murphy recording standout breaks of 99 and 83, much to the crowd's delight.
Wrapping up the opening day at 11 PM, Scotland's John Higgins met Ding Junhui. Higgins delivered a powerful statement with a 4-0 victory, fuelled by strong frame scores that included magnificent breaks of 106 and 130, immediately establishing him as a serious title contender.
What's Next in the Championship
The Riyadh Season Snooker Championship continues over three days, featuring an elite roster of the world's best players. A major talking point is the innovative Golden Ball, which adds an extra layer of excitement. This ball offers 20 additional points and a staggering one-million-dollar prize for any player who can achieve a historic maximum break of 167 points.
For fans eager to follow every moment, all matches are being broadcast live on several channels, including MBC Action, Al Arabiya, Shahid, MBC Masr 2, and the Saudi Sports Channel. The event solidifies Riyadh Season's reputation as a premier global destination for top-tier sports and entertainment, successfully blending high-stakes competition with a world-class spectator experience.
