Ronnie O’Sullivan exits Riyadh Snooker Championship after defeat to Shaun Murphy
Ronnie O’Sullivan crashed out of the Riyadh Snooker Championship following a surprising 4-0 defeat to Shaun Murphy, leaving the seven-time world champion unable to progress beyond his opening match, reports BritPanorama.
Murphy took full advantage of O’Sullivan’s lacklustre performance in the best-of-seven format, securing a decisive victory. The former champion was amongst the tournament’s favourites, vying for a £250,000 prize, but his early exit was unexpected given his experience and skill.
During the match, O’Sullivan appeared close to winning the second frame before he missed a crucial pink pot, ultimately leading to Murphy clinching the last two frames with relative ease. The defeat also marked a notable moment, as Murphy had not beaten O’Sullivan in over eight years.
Social media reactions to the match echoed disappointment among fans, with comments suggesting O’Sullivan’s seeming apathy. One user remarked, “Ronnie didn’t look bothered. Picked up a nice first-class flight, accommodation and massive appearance fee from the Saudis…that’ll do.” Another called for O’Sullivan to participate in more tournaments rather than only showing up intermittently.
Before the tournament commenced, O’Sullivan stated a preference for sinking a golden ball over merely winning the competition. He expressed, “I’d rather get the big break…to get the 167 I think that’d be amazing.” His aspirations for a golden ball and a strong tournament performance now rest in the hands of other contenders.
Following his victory, Murphy reflected positively on his win, stating the importance of maintaining focus against a player like O’Sullivan: “I just tried to go out and play snooker as I have done all season… thankfully for me, some of those long reds went in.” His performance indicates a significant recovery, ranking his win as “special,” given his previous struggles against such a prominent opponent.
The championship itself continues, promising opportunities for players to vie for additional bonuses, including a £760,000 prize for those who can sink a golden ball following a maximum break.
As O’Sullivan steps back to observe from the sidelines, this match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sport and how swiftly fortunes can change in a matter of frames.
