Ronnie’s 147 takes him to hell and back
TWO days after Ronnie O’Sullivan described the venue as a “hellhole”, the fivetime world champion treated the crowd at the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley to the 15th maximum break of his career.
The 147 sealed O’Sullivan’s 4-0 victory over Allan Taylor in the second round of the English Open.
Earlier in the week O’Sullivan complained he could smell urine in the interview area and criticised event organisers for not separating the tournament from other sports being played at the leisure centre.
But the TV table at least seemed to be playing perfectly as the 42-year-old cleared up despite claiming to be “twitching” on shots. “I did think about it from the first red because I thought I’ve got to try and do something in this match to get myself excited,” said O’Sullivan.
“From about 40-odd I was in bits, I was twitching all over the gaff. My back arm was like a bit of fish, flapping all over the gaff and then they’ve [fellow players] all gone quiet to watch the max and I thought, ‘That’s the worst thing you can do, just carry on playing, make some noise, do something’.
“When it went too quiet you felt the pressure is on you even more. I didn’t even fancy potting that [last] black to be honest with you, I was feeling it.”
O’Sullivan, who also made a break of 135 in the second frame, said: “I felt sorry for Allan because you could see he was struggling, he’s a lot better player than that.” O’Sullivan then suggested a novel change to his appearance if he wins the title. “I might pitch up for my next match in a snorkel and mask.
“The time to do that would be after winning, going up from the table to the press room through the swimming baths,” he said.
“So maybe I should get my snorkel and mask, flip-flops and even a pair of Speedos to blend in with the rest of the crowd.
“All day long I would play in a better venue if the extra cost came out of the prize money. I don’t play this game for money, I play for the love of it, in great venues, in great competitions.
“I’d take a huge pay cut if it meant investing in better venues, better scheduling. It is all about the environment. You want players at their best.
“Look, I was probably a bit in shock on Monday about the venue. It is really hot in there, so no one is cutting corners on the heating bill.
“Maybe they are doing it deliberately just to punish us a bit more, play in 100 degrees heat. Someone has got some sadistic ways up there.”
World No1 Mark Selby crashed out 4-3 to Leicester practice partner Ben Woollaston.
After a superb 51 clearance from 49 points down in the decider, Woollaston said: “There was a moment we were playing safe off the last three reds I thought ‘This is pointless’, luckily I got a chance.
“Despite being from the same city there is no real rivalry – I’m not much of a rival for him!
“So it’s more looking up to him, there is no one better under pressure so it’s a big win.”