Mark Williams Speaks Out On Saudi Masters Blow And Ranking Fallout

The World Snooker Tour has confirmed the Saudi Arabia Masters will be removed from the calendar from the 2026/27 season, bringing a premature end to a tournament that had been billed as the sport’s fourth major.

A 10-year agreement had previously been struck with Saudi sporting authorities, making the decision a significant blow to the tour. With a £2.3 million prize fund and a £500,000 top prize, matching the World Snooker Championship, the event quickly became one of the most lucrative on the circuit.

In a statement sent to players, the WST confirmed the decision was mutual, following discussions with the Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation after the 2025 editions in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Hawkins Slams “Pathetic” Communication

Following his 13-9 victory over Mark Williams, Barry Hawkins did not hold back in his criticism of how the news was delivered.

“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,” Hawkins told SportsBoom.co.uk.

“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.”

Williams Reacts To Shock Decision

Williams struck a more measured tone but admitted the decision had come as a surprise given the long-term nature of the original agreement.

“Disappointing. I think we all thought it was on for 10 years, but for whatever reason it’s been called off,” Williams told SportsBoom.co.uk.

Ranking Points Fallout Raises Concerns

The removal of the event creates a major headache for players, particularly those who earned significant ranking money at the tournament.

Judd Trump claimed the inaugural title in 2024, while Neil Robertson defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan in the 2025 final. Both players now face losing £500,000 in ranking points without any opportunity to defend them.

Even Williams, who reached the final in 2024, stands to lose £200,000 from his ranking tally, underlining the widespread impact across the tour.

Williams Proposes Ranking Adjustment

Williams suggested a potential compromise to soften the blow for players affected by the tournament’s removal.

“It is a bit unfair because you’ve got Judd Trump defending 500,000. Not so much for him because he’s about £3 zillion in front of the number one spot,” Williams added.

“But, if the tournament’s not there to defend the points, maybe you could look at it and only lose half the points or something like that.” 

“Like you said, there’s £200,000 coming off me, £500,000 for Judd. We haven’t got a tournament to defend it, so it’s going to be tough, especially if you’re fighting for a top 16 place or top 32 place. Other people down the rankings are going to suffer as well.”

“If something like that happens again, I don’t know how they’re going to do it. Maybe not lose all your points because it’s not the players’ fault they can’t defend.”

No Need For Replacement Event

Despite the financial implications, Williams does not believe the solution lies in adding another tournament to an already packed schedule.

The recently reinstated China Open, set to be staged in Taiyuan with a £1.2 million prize fund, is one example of the tour’s already busy calendar.

“I don’t know. It’s not as if we haven’t got enough tournaments anyway. We’ve got plenty of tournaments. It’s not the end of the world it’s off, it’s just you can’t defend your points.”

“But we can’t moan about the tournaments. We’ve got loads of them at the playing,” Williams concluded.