O'Sullivan knocked out of Northern Ireland Open by qualifier Cheung

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 19:14 · Archive

World number 13 Ronnie O'Sullivan lost 4-3 to Hong Kong qualifier Cheung Ka Wai in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open.

Ronnie O'Sullivan crashed out of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast after losing 4-3 to Hong Kong qualifier Cheung Ka Wai in the opening round. The seven-time world champion had won the opening three frames after Cheung took the first, compiling breaks of 56, 138 and 72 to lead 3-1.

Cheung rallied to claim the final three frames. He took frame five with a break of 88 after O'Sullivan missed a red in the pocket, then levelled the match with a 77 before forcing and winning the deciding frame. For Cheung, it was his first main-draw knockout victory at a ranking event. Cheung said: 'It's the best moment for me on the snooker tour. To be honest I was a little bit scared of playing him but my coach told me, whether I win or lose, to get the best experience possible.'

O'Sullivan was playing his first UK tournament match since losing 13-12 to John Higgins in the World Championship second round in April. His loss meant eight of the nine top-16 players who had competed at the tournament so far were eliminated. O'Sullivan had not appeared at the Northern Ireland Open since 2022.

How it is being reported

• O'Sullivan suffers one of most embarrassing defeats of his career at NI OpenRonnie O'Sullivan suffered one of the most embarrassing defeats of his career as he crashed out in the opening round of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.Sky Sports · 19 Oct, 19:12
• O'Sullivan loses to Cheung in NI Open returnRonnie O'Sullivan's poor form continues as the seven-time world champion is beaten in a deciding frame by Ka Wai Cheung in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open.BBC Sport · 19 Oct, 18:34
• Ronnie O’Sullivan stunned by qualifier Cheung Ka Wai in Northern Ireland OpenO’Sullivan was playing his first match in the UK since his 13-12 second-round defeat to John Higgins at the World Championship in April.Independent Sport · 19 Oct, 18:29

In this story: Ronnie O'Sullivan · Cheung Ka Wai · Northern Ireland Open · Belfast · Hong Kong

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