Ronnie O’Sullivan, the seven-time world champion, had a disappointing day at the Leicester Arena on Wednesday, losing three of his four matches.
Throughout the competition, O’Sullivan struggled to find his usual form, even facing issues with his cue’s tip that seemed to affect his performance.
His frustration was evident as he battled through the matches, but things didn’t improve the following day.
Bizarre Antics and Apology After Defeat
Things got even more heated for O’Sullivan during his penultimate match against Robert Milkins.
At one point, after missing a pot, he slammed his cue onto the table in frustration.
Realizing his overreaction, O’Sullivan quickly apologized to the referee and Milkins.
However, the emotional outbursts continued.
In one particularly strange moment, after missing an easy blue, O’Sullivan appeared to make an inappropriate gesture, drawing even more attention to his already turbulent performance.
His behavior was uncharacteristic for a player of his caliber, and the snooker world took notice.
Withdrawal and Group Match Void
After suffering yet another loss, O’Sullivan was set to face Ali Carter in his final group match on Thursday afternoon.
But in a surprising move, the snooker legend decided to withdraw from the Championship League altogether.
Commentator Dave Hendon shared the news, stating that O’Sullivan’s frustration had led him to quit the tournament before completing his final match.
As a result, all of O’Sullivan’s matches were voided, leaving him with zero points, and effectively turning his group into a six-man competition.
The tournament will continue with the top four players from the group advancing to the semi-finals, with one player, aside from O’Sullivan, being eliminated.
A Tough Break for O’Sullivan
O’Sullivan’s early exit from the competition is a setback, but fans and critics alike are hoping this is just a brief dip in his otherwise stellar career.
The seven-time world champion will no doubt be looking to bounce back, regroup, and focus on regaining his form for future events.