Ronnie O'Sullivan exited this year's World Snooker Championship in remarkable fashion this afternoon, losing seven frames on the spin as he lost to Luca Brecel in their quarter-final meeting.
The seven-time world champion had been in a commanding position in the match, a mix of poor play from him and some brilliance from his opponent saw the match completely turn on its head.
Despite pressure from the Belgian, O'Sullivan showed fantastic resilience to carry a 10-6 lead into today's session. He made some brilliant shots last night, including this creative effort on the yellow.
🚀 The Rocket with a 𝒘𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓-𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒕 on the yellow! 🤩
Ronnie O'Sullivan takes a 10-6 lead over Luca Brecel into tomorrow afternoon's session.@WeAreWST | #CazooWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/LgrazZo7bi— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 25, 2023
However, today was a very different story.
The Englishman was well short of his best form, losing the opening four frames on the spin as Brecel to open the session and draw level. While he was discovering his form, his opponent's seemed to have deserted him.
"What a miss!" 😲
Ronnie O'Sullivan can't believe he has missed the red 🔴 @WeAreWST | #CazooWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/LDTWej3RlN— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 26, 2023
When play resumed after a short interval, it was much of the same. Brecel won two more frames, extending his run to six on the spin and moving him one frame away from victory.
That proved to be no issue, with the 28-year old winning a seventh consecutive frame to secure the win.
BREAKING NEW GROUND 🔓🌟
🇧🇪 Luca Brecel battles back from 10-6 down to oust the defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and reach the semi-finals at the Crucible! @WeAreWST | #CazooWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/X1V0S6qb9d— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 26, 2023
It was a stunning performance from Brecel, although O'Sullivan was completely out of sorts. Even at a time when he still held the lead in the match, he looked like a beaten man.
That turned out to be the case.
Ronnie O'Sullivan gives classy interview after Crucible collapse
It was a hugely disappointing day for Ronnie O'Sullivan, but he was not in a bitter mood despite the result.
Speaking to Eurosport afterwards, he gave a classy summary of his opponent's performance and genuinely wished him all the best for the rest of the tournament.
"I said you're an amazing player, unbelievable talent" 🔥
Always gracious in defeat, @ronnieo147 👏@WeAreWST | #CazooWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/EeIsb9BdPF— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 26, 2023
I love watching him play, what a lovely player to watch. He hits the ball so well and gets so much action into the white, hits the ball solid, strong, floats balls in, stumbles them in, punches them in, got cue power.
Alright he can miss a few, but when you hit the ball like that why wouldn't you go for them shots? If I could hit the ball like that, I would be taking them on...
I said 'I hope you go and win it, you played fantastic, it would be brilliant for snooker and brilliant for you'. He's an unbelievable talent, he is incredible. I have played snooker for a long time and I've not seen anyone hit the ball as good, he just whips through it.
He's amazing and lovely to watch. I enjoyed watching him play, I've got to be honest with you. The crowd have had a good time. If anyone tries to pick holes in that, good luck to you...
I'm going to enjoy a holiday and go away soon. I'll start my running again tomorrow, which I'm looking forward to. I'll knock the ciggies on the head, knock the scones on the head, try to eat a bit healthier and look after myself.
I've got a few things to look forward to in the summer. I'm not as downbeat as everyone thinks I will be, I'm sorry if anyone gets offended by that. You've got to have a perspective on things and sometimes you've got to take the rough with the smooth.
Some kind words.
If he can continue this level of form, it will be very difficult to stop Luca Brecel in the coming days.
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