Barry Hawkins Calls Saudi Masters Cancellation “Pathetic” As Players Left Without Explanation

The World Snooker Tour has confirmed that the Saudi Arabia Masters will not return from the 2026/27 season, despite an initial 10-year agreement with Saudi sporting authorities.

The lucrative event introduced just two years ago and billed as snooker’s unofficial “fourth major,” offered a £2.3 million prize fund and attracted a 128-player field. Its sudden removal represents a significant financial and structural blow to the tour.

A statement from the WST emailed to players read: “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.” 

“Across 2024 and 2025, the Kingdom successfully staged two major events in Riyadh and Jeddah, welcoming world champions and providing 18 Saudi players with the opportunity to compete on the same stage. Thousands of spectators attended from nearly 40 countries, many experiencing elite live snooker and pool for the first time.

“During this period, Saudi juniors also progressed through international events, including World Nineball Tour competitions, Q Tour Middle East, and Asian junior championships, important early steps onto the global stage. We extend our sincere thanks to all players, officials, and participants for their contribution to the success of these events.”

Hawkins Slams Lack Of Communication

Speaking after his 13-9 win over Mark Williams at the 2026 World Snooker Championship, Barry Hawkins did not hide his frustration with how the situation has been handled.

“What a disappointment, without sounding rude, I just think something's gone wrong for us to lose that tournament,” Hawkins told SportsBoom.co.uk.

“What's happened to the 10-year contract we had? 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 today saying it's been stopped. No explanation why, nothing. Very disappointing, it’s a massive tournament to lose.”

“It'd be interesting to see what the reason was behind it. I've heard something, I don’t know how true it is, but it’s pathetic.”

Ranking Fallout For Trump And Robertson

The decision also creates major implications for the rankings system, particularly for Judd Trump and Neil Robertson, who claimed the two editions of the event.

Trump lifted the inaugural title in 2024, while Robertson defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan in 2025. Both players now stand to lose £500,000 in ranking points with no opportunity to defend them.

Hawkins highlighted the broader issue with the current system.

“Well, I don't know... I suppose that's one of the downsides to having a money ranking system, because it's so top heavy.”

“Now these guys like Neil Robertson and Judd Trump, they haven't got a chance to defend that 500,000, that's just gonna be wiped off, and there's no tournament to replace that.”

China Open Return Offers Little Consolation

The tour recently confirmed the return of the China Open in Taiyuan, boasting a £1.2 million prize fund. However, Hawkins believes the addition does little to offset the loss.

“Obviously we've got China open, but we lose a big one and gain another one, so we're not no further forward.”

“So, yeah, really disappointed, because that it's a big part of the season, massive part of season. Like I say, we get some silly email, not even an explanation why we lost it. So, yeah, very disappointed.”

Questions Over Broken Agreement

A key sticking point for Hawkins is the apparent collapse of what was supposed to be a long-term deal.

“It was a 10-year contract. It has disappeared, so I mean, what is it just not worth [anything]... Where's it gone? If they sign a contract, why has it just disappeared like that? I don't understand.”

Criticism Of Event Promotion And Attendance

Hawkins also questioned the official narrative around the event’s success, particularly regarding crowd support and promotion.

“Like I say, it's so disappointing, just get an email today saying, ‘Oh, we’ve been so well supported.’ And, you know, to be honest, there was no one in the crowd anyway. I've heard the reasons why it wasn't promoted that well.”

“I normally don't say much, but yeah, I'm very unhappy about it, to be honest with you.”

WST Stands By Initial Statement

When approached for further comment, the World Snooker Tour declined to expand beyond its original statement, which cited a “mutual agreement” with Saudi organisers following the 2025 edition.