Watch in Full as Ronnie O’Sullivan Makes 1300th Career Century Against Neil Robertson in Saudi Arabia Masters Final
When the crowd inside the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh rose to its feet and roared, the noise felt more like a heavyweight boxing contest than a game of snooker. Yet the man at the table — calm, fluid, and devastatingly precise — was not swinging punches but striking balls into pockets with artistry that has defined his career. Ronnie O’Sullivan, the greatest natural snooker player the sport has ever known, had just completed his 1300th career century break, and he did it on the biggest of stages: the Saudi Arabia Masters final, against long-time rival Neil Robertson.
The achievement, while staggering in sheer statistical weight, was not merely about numbers. It was about history, longevity, and the way O’Sullivan continues to reinvent what is possible in snooker at an age where most professionals would have long since slowed down.
This was not just another break. This was a defining, symbolic moment — a chapter added to an already unrivalled legacy.
A Clash of Titans
The Saudi Arabia Masters final had already been billed as one of the most glamorous events on the snooker calendar. With unprecedented prize money, a state-of-the-art venue, and the lure of showcasing the sport in a fast-growing market, all eyes were on Riyadh. But the true draw was the final pairing: Ronnie O’Sullivan versus Neil Robertson.
Robertson, the Australian maestro, is one of the few players in the modern era capable of regularly challenging O’Sullivan. A former world champion himself, Robertson is renowned for his break-building prowess and all-around control of the table. Many believed he had the temperament and form to silence O’Sullivan’s charge.
But when Ronnie is in the mood, when he smells history and feels the buzz of the crowd, few — if any — can stop him.
Building Towards 1300
Heading into the tournament, O’Sullivan was sitting on 1298 centuries, a record already so far ahead of the rest of the field that it almost defied belief. Robertson himself, widely regarded as one of the sport’s great break-builders, is hundreds of centuries behind.
O’Sullivan’s first of the week came in the opening round against Ding Junhui — a sublime 137 clearance that had fans whispering about whether the landmark 1300 would arrive before the tournament was done. His second century, a rapid-fire 104 against Mark Selby in the semifinals, set the stage perfectly. That left him needing just one more to complete the milestone.
When the final began, anticipation was electric. Every time Ronnie got in amongst the balls, the crowd leaned forward, sensing that history might unfold before their eyes.
The Moment Arrives
The match itself was tense, with Robertson starting strongly, compiling early leads and forcing O’Sullivan to dig deep. But in the eighth frame, with the scoreline finely poised, O’Sullivan found the perfect opportunity.
Robertson had left a long red on after an aggressive safety attempt. O’Sullivan, never one to turn down a chance to stamp his authority, slotted it home with that trademark ease — cue ball floating gracefully into position for the black. The break was on.
From there, the crowd could sense it. Every pot was greeted with growing anticipation, every cannon was judged to perfection. The reds seemed to open themselves for him, the colors fell kindly, and O’Sullivan was in full flow.
The camera panned to Robertson, who sat back in his chair with a resigned smile. He knew what was coming. He had seen it too many times before.
By the time O’Sullivan reached 80, the atmosphere was feverish. Fans clapped between shots, many holding up their phones to capture the moment. A young boy in the front row could be seen mouthing the numbers as the break ticked on: 85, 92, 100.
And then, with a crisp blue into the corner, O’Sullivan crossed the 100 mark, officially sealing his 1300th career century break. The arena erupted. But Ronnie wasn’t done. He coolly cleared the table to finish on 123, bowing his head slightly as the audience gave him a standing ovation.
Reaction from the Arena
The Saudi Arabia Masters is a tournament designed to impress, but even the organizers could not have scripted a moment so perfect. Fireworks erupted outside the arena as the in-house announcer declared the historic feat.
Robertson, ever gracious, was the first to applaud. “What more can you say about the guy?” Robertson said afterward. “I’ve played him at his best many times, but to be here when he makes his 1300th century… it’s special, even for me. He keeps raising the bar, and I don’t think anyone will ever catch him.”
O’Sullivan himself was characteristically understated. “It’s just another break,” he shrugged in his post-frame interview, a mischievous grin crossing his face. “But yeah, I suppose 1300 isn’t bad, is it?”
Yet beneath the humility, there was pride. “I’ve been around this game a long time. I’ve had my ups and downs, but I still love it, and nights like this remind me why I keep going.”
The Legacy of O’Sullivan’s Century Count
Numbers in sport are often misleading. But in snooker, centuries matter. They are the benchmark of consistency, precision, and artistry. To make a century, a player must clear the table with near perfection. To do it once is difficult; to do it 1300 times is scarcely believable.
When Stephen Hendry retired with 775 centuries, it was considered a record that might stand for generations. O’Sullivan has obliterated it, lapping the field and redefining what is possible. His closest active challenger, John Higgins, is well behind, and Robertson himself sits hundreds adrift.
At this rate, it is conceivable that O’Sullivan could reach 1400 before he even contemplates retirement. Given his form and longevity, some have whispered that even 1500 centuries is not out of the question.
What It Means for Snooker
O’Sullivan’s 1300th century could not have come at a better time for the sport. Snooker has been striving to expand its global reach, and the Saudi Arabia Masters represents a bold new frontier. To have the sport’s biggest star make history in the final of such a high-profile event is a promotional dream.
Social media platforms exploded within minutes of the break being completed. Clips of the century trended on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram reels, and TikTok, with fans across the globe hailing O’Sullivan as “The GOAT.”
Barry Hearn, the former chairman of World Snooker, was quick to weigh in. “You couldn’t write this stuff. Ronnie O’Sullivan is box office — the reason millions tune in. Tonight proves once again why he is bigger than the sport itself.”
A Rivalry Renewed
While the century stole the headlines, the match itself was a fascinating battle between two greats. Robertson fought valiantly, producing centuries of his own and at times appearing to have O’Sullivan on the ropes. But the Englishman’s milestone break seemed to tilt the momentum in his favor, energizing him and unsettling Robertson.
In the end, O’Sullivan edged the final frames to lift yet another title, but both players walked away with immense credit. Their rivalry, respectful yet fiercely competitive, remains one of the sport’s most captivating dynamics.
Fans’ Perspective
For fans in attendance, it was a night to remember. Many had traveled from across the Middle East to see O’Sullivan in person, and they left with memories that will last a lifetime.
Ahmed, a young Saudi fan interviewed outside the venue, said: “I have watched Ronnie on TV since I was a boy, but to see him make history live — it’s unbelievable. He is like Messi or Ronaldo for snooker.”
Another fan, Sarah from the UK, added: “I was here on holiday and managed to get tickets. I never thought I’d be in the arena when he hit his 1300th century. This is history, and I’ll be telling my grandkids about it.”
The Road Ahead
What next for Ronnie O’Sullivan? That’s the question fans and pundits are asking. At 49, he remains at the top of his game, balancing his competitive instincts with a more relaxed, philosophical outlook on life.
Some believe he is motivated by the thought of reaching 10 World Championships, breaking Stephen Hendry’s modern-era record of seven. Others think he is content to play on his own terms, picking and choosing events while still delivering moments of brilliance.
But one thing is certain: O’Sullivan has no intention of stepping aside quietly. “I still enjoy it,” he said after the match. “As long as I can keep playing to a level that excites me, I’ll keep going. And who knows? Maybe we’ll be talking about 1500 one day.”
Conclusion: A Night for the Ages
Sport is defined by moments — flashes of brilliance that transcend the numbers and live on in memory. Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 1300th career century was one such moment.
It wasn’t just about the balls disappearing into pockets or the break-building mastery. It was about the journey — from a teenage prodigy in the 1990s to a seasoned legend still rewriting history in 2025. It was about the crowd in Riyadh, the respect of rivals like Neil Robertson, and the joy of fans worldwide.
When the final ball dropped, and Ronnie raised his cue in acknowledgment, the message was clear: snooker’s greatest showman is far from finished. He continues to elevate the game, inspiring awe with every stroke, and the world is lucky to watch him do it.
The 1300th century is now in the books, but with Ronnie O’Sullivan, one truth always holds: the best may still be yet to come.
