Ronnie O'Sullivan made the day of a young supporter by signing his shirt after his victory over Luca Brecel in the final of the Riyadh Season World Masters on Wednesday night.
Rocket operated at the peak of his powers as he put Brecel to the sword, winning 5-2 to add to his growing trophy collection.
The 48-year-old enjoyed himself in Saudi, cutting a relaxed figure throughout the match.
And Eurosport cameras picked up O'Sullivan signing the shirt of a young fan in the crowd in the immediate aftermath of his latest triumph.
Ronnie O'Sullivan signed the shirt of a young fan after his win over Luca Brecel in Saudi Arabia
EUROSPORT
The fan had a big smile on his face and gave O'Sullivan a thumbs up as the champion walked away.
Rocket has admitted to losing some of his hunger when it comes to playing in the UK.
However, the 48-year-old admitted he loved playing in Saudi after ruthlessly dispatching Brecel to continue his impressive start to the year.
“I’m delighted,” he said.
“I came here wanting to do well in this tournament. It’s the top players in the world and the first time coming to Saudi Arabia.
“They’re putting on some fantastic events over here, so just to be a part of it was great. But to win it is like the icing on the cake.
“I played really well against John [Higgins], that’s probably one of my best performances. I struggled a bit against Judd, I didn’t find my timing and stuff like that.
“But then I played a bit better today in the final, so hopefully there’s a bit of some form coming back.
“[The fans] are so passionate, I’m so excited to see it. I love the culture, I came here and I fit in here perfectly.
“They’re very relaxed, take life at a nice leisurely pace. The work still gets done, and it’s just laid back. That suits my personality really well.
“The fans have been fantastic – chanting mine and Luca’s name at the end there. It’s great, and I can’t wait to come back.
“It didn’t bother me playing at 3am in the morning. I thought that’s the Middle Eastern way, that’s the Saudi way.
“You just have to embrace it and throw yourself all into it.
"I felt a little bit tired today, but I had a couple of hours during the day so I was alright.
“I think they love the game and enjoy the game.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Ronnie O'Sullivan received a thumbs up from a young fan after winning the Riyadh Season World Masters title in Saudi Arabia
EUROSPORT
"I think they are on about trying to open some academies and get some good coaches over here.
“Try and get a lot of these youngsters playing the game. You never know, you could have a Saudi world champion in 20 years time.”
O'Sullivan, despite winning, missed out on the Golden Ball.
The prize money for the Golden Ball will double next year, something that was confirmed after Rocket's win over Brecel.
And O'Sullivan has promised he'll get it next year when he returns to the Middle East.
"I'll get to the Golden Ball next year," he added. "You don't want to take it all at once.
"The tournament this year and the Golden Ball next year."
