Milkins disappointed as win chance is lost

GLOUCESTER’S Rob Milkins felt he let a big chance to beat world number one Ronnie O’sullivan slip away as he lost a nervy deciding frame to the Rocket at the UK Championship in York.

Milkins led 2-0 but trailed 5-3 before coming back to force a one-frame shootout, where the first two chances fell the way of Milkins, but he failed to capitalise.

The 47-year-old cueman wasn’t afforded a third, with O’sullivan getting himself over the line to make the 140th ranking event quarter-final of his glittering career.

Victory extended the Rocket’s perfect record against Milkins, as he leads the head-to-head standings 9-0, but Milkins told BBC Sport: “I just played a really poor decider, I could have won that.

“But I’m chuffed I’ve just stuck in there because I always roll over against Ronnie. I put a fight on, but I’m really disappointed.”

O’sullivan, who went on to lift the title after beating Ding Junhui 10-7 in the final, added: “I thought he deserved to win. I couldn’t feel anything, I was just all over the show. I haven’t got a clue any more, I don’t understand how this game works.

“Rob has played great over the last two years.

“He’s improved as a match player. He is harder to play now than he ever was. I’m pleased to get through.”

Both players missed opportunities in the opening two frames, but it was Milkins who took them to earn a 2-0 advantage.

O’sullivan then clicked into gear and contributions of 86, 53 and 142 helped him to four on the bounce and a 4-2 advantage.

Milkins showed his class by clawing himself back within a frame, before O’sullivan moved to the verge of victory at 5-3.

A break of 120 saw Milkins reduce his arrears and he then took a nervy 10th frame to force a decider.

I just played a really poor decider, I could have won that Rob Milkins