Elliot Slessor expresses frustration after Players Championship loss
Elliot Slessor took to social media to vent his frustration following a dramatic collapse against reigning world champion Zhao Xintong at the Players Championship, reports BritPanorama.
The 31-year-old from Gateshead had established a commanding 5-2 advantage over the Chinese star before watching his lead evaporate entirely as Zhao claimed four consecutive frames to complete a remarkable turnaround and secure a 6-5 victory.
Following the match, Slessor was visibly upset, taking to X to express his displeasure at what he perceived as an unjust outcome. He attributed his defeat to fortunate bounces going in his opponent’s favour rather than any shortcomings in his performance.
In his post, Slessor described the sport as “an utter pile of [poo emoji]”, adding that the events of his previous four matches were “beyond belief.” When a supporter suggested he had squandered opportunities to close out the contest, Slessor retorted, “I’ve split the balls off black and can’t get on a ball for love nor money name me one clear cut chance?”
Another supporter urged Slessor not to be so critical of himself, but he remained defiant, stating, “I need my opponents to stop fluking balls and could also do with landing on a ball when I open them.” Zhao, for his part, acknowledged that he had not performed to his usual standard during the encounter, noting he had only just arrived in Britain and was struggling with jet lag.
The 28-year-old from Xi’an revealed that he had touched down only the day before the match. Despite the difficulties, Zhao managed to secure a vital win, praising Slessor’s performance in the early stages and remarking that the Englishman’s long potting had limited his own opportunities.
Zhao arrives at the Players Championship fresher from a triumph at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, where he claimed his maiden ranking title on Chinese soil. He will next face Shaun Murphy, the 2005 Crucible winner, in the second round, recognising the challenge ahead and the need for a solid performance.
In sports, fortunes can shift in an instant, as Slessor’s experience demonstrates—a stark reminder of how the unpredictable nature of the game continuously captivates its audience.
