The Saudi Arabia Masters snooker tournament has been marred by controversy and low attendance. Chinese player Ding Junhui faced a bizarre penalty when his cue tip broke during a crucial match against Stuart Bingham, resulting in a foul that allowed Bingham to secure a 5-4 victory. Meanwhile, crowds at the event have been sparse, raising concerns about the future of snooker in the region, with players like Ali Carter advocating for patience as the sport builds its presence. Matthew Selt also made headlines by forfeiting his match against Pang Junxu after expressing frustration over a missed shot, which followed issues with his broken cue. As discussions about potentially moving the World Championship from Sheffield to Saudi Arabia continue, the lack of spectators highlights the challenges of promoting the sport in a new market.