The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters has been cancelled after just two editions, leaving top players frustrated. Former World Championship finalist Barry Hawkins called the news "very disappointing", saying players discovered the decision through a "stupid email" on Saturday morning. The tournament, which began in 2024 under a 10-year agreement, had been dubbed the sport's unofficial "fourth major" by organisers.

The ranking event was the richest outside the UK, offering a £2.3m prize fund with £500,000 for the winner - equal to the World Championship. "What's happened to the 10-year contract? It's just been blown out of the water," Hawkins said after his win over Mark Williams. "We don't get no explanation, nothing, which is very, very annoying."

Matchroom Sport president Barry Hearn earlier suggested the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could affect competitions in the region. Players now face ranking chaos: Judd Trump must defend 500,000 points with no tournament to play, while the China Open returns in August with just £1.2m - less than half the Saudi prize money.