Ronnie O’Sullivan eliminated from World Grand Prix by Xiao Guodong
Ronnie O’Sullivan has been knocked out of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong following a 5-3 defeat to Xiao Guodong, the world No 10, reports BritPanorama.
The seven-time world champion’s exit came despite a moment of theatrical brilliance during the third frame, when he executed an illegal jump shot purely for entertainment. With the frame already won at 91-5 and only coloured balls remaining, O’Sullivan opted against simply returning to his seat.
Rather than playing a conventional shot, O’Sullivan lifted the cue ball into the air, sending it sailing over the blue and striking the green positioned directly behind it. This type of chip shot is frequently seen in pool but remains prohibited under snooker rules. O’Sullivan appeared unconcerned by the illegality of his manoeuvre, particularly given the remarkable outcome that followed. The green ball ricocheted off three separate cushions before finding its way into the corner pocket with perfect precision.
While the banned shot had no bearing on the frame’s result, it showcased the showmanship that has defined O’Sullivan’s career. The Rocket and Xiao Guodong were far from the only high-profile casualties at the tournament, which has seen a wave of upsets. Defending champion Neil Robertson, ranked third in the world, suffered a comprehensive 5-1 defeat to Welsh player Jak Jones in his opening match. Judd Trump and Shaun Murphy, fresh from contesting the German Masters final, both fell to Chinese players in their first-round encounters.
John Higgins, Mark Allen, and Mark Williams were also eliminated in what has proved an unpredictable competition. Following the opening round, only Mark Selby, Xiao Xintong, and Xiao Guodong remain from the world’s top 10 players. The competition was hit with sad news as players paid tribute to the late John Virgo, who passed away on Wednesday, aged 79. O’Sullivan discovered the devastating news only after completing his first-round victory at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.
After a notable career marred by ups and downs, O’Sullivan’s exit serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sport, where even the greats can falter in a moment. As the tournament progresses, the drama continues to unfold, leaving spectators at the edge of their seats.
