Party’s over for Rocket WHITE AIMING FOR A BIRTHDAY SURPRISE
MICHAEL WHITE is looking to ruin Ronnie O’sullivan’s 42nd birthday today at the UK Championship.
The 26-year-old from Neath takes on his boyhood idol at York’s Barbican Centre this afternoon with a last-16 place at stake.
World No.26 White is chasing a first career victory over ‘The Rocket’, who is himself bidding for a recordequalling sixth UK title.
And against O’sullivan, who has won two titles this season, he would love to blow out the candles on the fivetime world champion’s big day.
White said: “I’ll try to spoil the party, I certainly won’t be buying him a cake! I heard sometimes people bring him in a cake at this tournament.
“I hope this year someone gave him a couple of litres of vodka as a present the night before our match.
“Ronnie is no spring chicken, is he these days? Maybe he doesn’t celebrate them so much any more. I have been coming to this tournament and venue for years now and never produced my top form, but I have improved on that this time.
“In my eyes, Ronnie is the greatest player ever and in some ways I have nothing to lose. It will be a privilege to play him here in a major event.
“He was my idol growing up and I am going to have to play at the top of my form to beat him. “But if I play like I did in the last round, I have a chance. The dream scenario would be to win a title beating Ronnie in a final. Next best would be to win one beating him on the way.”
Graeme Dott enjoyed a sensational win over world No.2 Judd Trump.
The former world champion stunned Trump with a six-frame blast to claim a 6-2 victory.
And Ulsterman Mark Allen, inset, progressed into the fourth round with a 6-4 victory over Peter Lines last night.