Snooker players unhappy as Saudi Arabia Masters cancelled after only two of 10 events

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, one of the richest events on the World Snooker Tour calendar, has been cancelled, with key players unhappy at the announcement.

Former World Championship finalist Barry Hawkins called the news “very disappointing”, saying the players found out on Saturday morning when they received a “stupid email”.

In 2024, a 10-year deal was announced and the inaugural event was given the unofficial title of the sport’s ‘fourth major’ by organisers.

The ranking tournament was the richest outside the UK, with a £2.3m prize fund and £500,000 for the winner – equal to the World Championship.

But after only two editions, the tournament will not be held again.

A statement from the World Snooker Tour said: “Following constructive discussions between The Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation and Matchroom following the conclusion of the 2025 editions, it has been mutually agreed not to proceed with future editions of the World Pool Championship and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.”

Hawkins said he was unhappy with how the players found out.

Speaking after his 13-9 win over Mark Williams on Saturday in the World Championship last 16, Hawkins said: “What a disappointment. Without sounding rude, something’s gone wrong for us to lose that tournament.

“What’s happened to the 10-year contract? It’s just been blown out of the water.

“We don’t get no explanation, nothing, which is very, very annoying. We just get some stupid email saying it’s been stopped. No explanation, nothing. Very disappointing, it’s a massive tournament to lose.

“It’d be interesting to see the reason behind it.”