Pull up a cue
Rocket KO’d after series of sit down protests over boozy fans
RONNIE O’SuLLIvAN crashed out of the uK Championship after staging a series of sit-down protests over crowd noise.
The Rocket was edged 6-5 by Kyren Wilson in York yesterday but on multiple occasions sat down in his chair mid-break due to crowd noise as boozed-up fans watching the other table came and went.
He also asked referee Jan Verhaas to remove a photographer who was observing all protocols.
O’Sullivan said: “With the crowd, I could see them out of the corner of my eye. I can deal with loads of movement or no movement but not both.
“I said to the referee, ‘I’m in no hurry and have no other plans, I have set aside today to play snooker so I am happy to wait’ so no real issue.
“A photographer should have a tripod, which is why I wanted him out.
“I missed too many balls today and wasn’t clinical or good enough – you can’t do that at the highest level.”
Wilson had little sympathy for his rival.
He said: “I practise in a busy club and there are always people walking around! After a Covid spell with no fans it’s great to see them.
“Ronnie is a flow player and all about momentum so it won’t be ideal for him stopping and starting.
“However, we know there are two tables out there and that the crowds will move.
“It is one of the biggest wins in my career. I thought I’d maybe missed the boat not closing it out 6-3 but I always back myself under pressure.
“I have let a couple slip against Ronnie in the past so it’s nice to get that one. We all know what it’s like against him, you are playing the crowd as well.
“The only thing that is missing from my CV are the big titles and that is what I am here to try and put right.”
Wilson will now face Belgian Luca Brecel, who saw off an out-of-sorts Anthony McGill 6-2 to reach a Triple Crown semi-final for the first time in his career.
Brassed-off Scots ace McGill, 30, said: “Table conditions were poor and they have been poor all week. The tables have been re-covered and they are still rubbish.
“But I should have been able to pot the balls I was missing. I was pretty poor and he was too good.
“I’m really not that bothered, some you win and some you lose.”
Brecel said: “I may have to play better and kill frames off quicker against Kyren. This will be a big game for both of us.”