Ronnie O’Sullivan unveils brand new Snooker Academy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after signing three-year ambassadorial deal

Ronnie O’Sullivan has embarked on an exciting new venture with the official opening of his highly-anticipated Snooker Academy in Riyadh, a project he describes as the ‘perfect’ side pursuit. 

Widely regarded as one of the most talented and accomplished players in snooker history, O’Sullivan has claimed an impressive seven World Snooker Championship titles.

At 47, O’Sullivan remains one of the top players in the world, but this latest endeavour suggests he’s already planning for life beyond his career. Earlier this year, he signed a three-year ambassadorial deal with Riyadh Season and has now launched his snooker academy in Saudi Arabia. 

Located in Boulevard City, in the heart of Riyadh, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as a premier training base for players to hone their skills under top-tier conditions. The academy features five snooker tables made by Star Xingpai, the world’s leading table manufacturer and a long-time partner of World Snooker Tour (WST). 

While O’Sullivan will make special visits to coach and mentor emerging talent, the academy’s head coach will be Nigel Bond, a former world number five and 1996 British Open champion.

Widely regarded as one of the most talented and accomplished players in snooker history, O’Sullivan has claimed an impressive seven World Snooker Championship titles

Speaking about the academy, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, said: ‘Snooker is an exciting part of our vision for Riyadh Season and that is why we are proud to partner with Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of the most successful ever in this sport. 

‘It will give all aspiring players in Saudi Arabia access to an elite facility to learn and develop under world-class, experienced coaches, as well as Ronnie, as we look to continue to build on the growing interest in snooker.’

Speaking at the launch, O’Sullivan said: ‘This is a fantastic new facility and I am excited to be working here alongside the best talent in the Kingdom. In snooker, like most sports, there is no substitute for hard work, and this academy will give players an opportunity practice in a great environment. 

‘I would love to see tour players and even World Champions from Saudi Arabia one day, and it will give me great satisfaction to play a role in their development. It’s a pleasure to be working with HE Turki Alalshikh on our shared ambition to bring through new players and grow the sport in the region.’

While Jason Ferguson, Chairman of snooker’s global governing body WPBSA, added: ‘The facilities at this new flagship academy are superb, emphasising the ambition of our partners to provide the best local talent with the opportunity to play in the right environment. And with our all-time greatest Ronnie O’Sullivan as a mentor, they will be inspired by the best. 

Earlier this year, he signed a three-year ambassadorial deal with Riyadh Season and has now launched his snooker academy in Saudi Arabia

Located in Boulevard City, in the heart of Riyadh, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as a premier training base for players to hone their skills under top-tier conditions 

‘The Saudi Arabian Billiards and Snooker Federation and the GEA have our full support as we align with them on sustainable development. This partnership is long term, we want to build the sport of snooker in Saudi Arabia for decades, as we have done in China over the past 20 years, while providing the best young players with pathways to success.’

Snooker’s fan base is rapidly growing in Saudi Arabia, and the first professional tournaments in the Kingdom have been staged this year. 

In March, O’Sullivan won the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker, then in September, Judd Trump triumphed at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters world ranking event.