“That made me try harder”: How a Snarky Comment Propelled Ronnie O’Sullivan to a Tense Battle On The Baize Victory
Riyadh, August 14, 2025 — Ronnie O’Sullivan, snapped and fiery, shook off more than just Kyren Wilson in their intense Saudi Arabia Masters quarter-final—he shook off dismissal, disregard, and prejudice fueled by a snide online remark. Speaking to TNT Sports after edging Wilson 6–5, O’Sullivan revealed that an offhand comment predicting he’d be “trounced” gave him the extra edge.
“I looked at a comment that said ‘oh he’s going to get trounced by Wilson tomorrow,’ so that made me try a little bit harder,” O’Sullivan said, unapologetically embracing the bait.
The Comeback: From 5–3 Down to Victory
The match’s intensity only deepened as Wilson pushed the Rocket to his limit. After leveling the contest through six frames, Wilson surged ahead with breaks of 69 and 80, taking a 5–3 lead and looking set to seal the deal.
But O’Sullivan—often at his most dangerous when cornered—responded back with two consecutive centuries: 110, then 118. He forced a deciding frame, and in characteristic fashion, seized the moment to book his place in the semi-finals.
A Defiant Reflection from a Snooker Legend
O’Sullivan appeared both reflective and defiant as he assessed what the match meant. Approaching his 50th birthday and up against Wilson, 33, in the prime of his career, he described the result as one to be “over the moon” about. “I feel like I’ve achieved an amazing result,” he said.
Far from grumbling about being underestimated, O’Sullivan leaned into it—happy to be the underdog if it meant gaining that extra spark. “I kind of like being in that position… spurs me on a bit to give the opponent a game,” he added.
His admiration for Wilson was clear. Calling him “the best player in the world,” O’Sullivan praised Wilson’s all-round efficiency. “He doesn’t look like he’s doing anything brilliant, but he does everything so well,” he mused, comparing Wilson’s poise to John Higgins in terms of composure and technical proficiency.
What It Meant in the Bigger Picture
This win isn’t just another notch for O’Sullivan’s belt—it’s emphatic proof that his competitive fire still burns as bright as ever. Despite nearing 50 and grappling with sporadic form and fatigue, he proved that dismissal—even unjust—can galvanize greatness.
The match underlines a simple truth in sport: psychological resilience can be as decisive as physical prowess. A thoughtless jab—one that many might have ignored—became the fulcrum of one of the tournament’s most gripping comebacks.
With this victory, O’Sullivan now faces Chris Wakelin in the semi-finals, while Neil Robertson takes on Elliot Slessor for the other spot in the final. The £500,000 prize pot looms large.
Final Frame: A Legend Reignited
When Ronnie O’Sullivan says, “that made me try a little bit harder,” it’s more than a quip—it’s a declaration. Against the whispers of age, expectation, and underestimation, the snooker great reminded fans what they’ve always known: he’s still the one to beat—and still plays with unmatched grit.
From now on, any doubt cast his way may just become fuel. And for his fans, that means more of those electrifying, comeback-fueled performances they cherish.
