Mark Williams and snooker star slam ‘stupid email’ as major £2.3m tournament cancelled

Mark Williams and Barry Hawkins have slammed the decision to cancel Saudi Arabia Masters, with both snooker stars asking for clarit

 

The abrupt cancellation of the lucrative Saudi Arabia Masters has sparked frustration across the snooker world, with top اللاعبين including Mark Williams and Barry Hawkins openly criticising what they described as a “stupid email” that delivered the news.

The tournament, reportedly worth around £2.3 million in prize money, was expected to be one of the most financially significant events on the snooker calendar outside of the World Championship. Its sudden removal has not only disappointed players but also raised serious concerns about communication and planning within the sport’s governing structures.

Williams, a three-time world champion, did not hold back in his reaction. Taking to social media, he questioned how such a major event could be scrapped with so little explanation, particularly after players had already begun adjusting their schedules around it. His frustration was echoed by Hawkins, who also demanded clarity, suggesting that players deserve better transparency when decisions of this scale are made.

At the heart of the backlash is the manner in which the cancellation was communicated. According to multiple players, the announcement came via a brief and vague email, offering little detail about the reasons behind the decision. For professionals whose livelihoods depend on tournament earnings and careful planning, the lack of information has been particularly aggravating.

The Saudi Arabia Masters had been positioned as a flagship expansion event, part of snooker’s broader push into new international markets. With significant financial backing and the promise of elevating the sport’s global profile, expectations were high. Its cancellation therefore represents not just the loss of a major payday, but also a potential setback for snooker’s international ambitions.

Players have pointed out that late changes like this can have a domino effect. Travel arrangements, practice schedules, and participation in other tournaments are often planned months in advance. A sudden cancellation leaves many scrambling to fill gaps in their calendars, potentially impacting both form and income.

While officials have yet to provide a detailed public explanation, speculation has begun circulating about logistical challenges and possible contractual issues. However, without clear communication, such speculation only adds to the uncertainty and frustration felt by players and fans alike.

The incident has also reignited broader discussions about how the sport is managed. Many believe that as snooker continues to grow globally, its administrative processes must evolve to match the expectations of a modern professional sport. Clearer communication, earlier decision-making, and greater accountability are increasingly being demanded by those at the top of the game.

For now, the focus remains on getting answers. Both Williams and Hawkins have made it clear that their criticism is not just about this one event, but about setting a standard for how players are treated. As the dust settles, the governing bodies will likely face pressure to review their approach and ensure that such a situation is not repeated.

In a sport where precision and professionalism are paramount on the table, players are now asking for the same level of excellence behind the scenes.