Laura wins in style but fails to break record
Ronnie O’Sullivan yesterday missed the chance to make another slice of snooker history at the Welsh Open.
The Rocket was bidding to level rival John Higgins on five Welsh Open titles and, more importantly, eclipse Stephen Hendry’s record haul of 36 ranking wins.
O’Sullivan’s title bid was painfully ended 6-5 by Kyren Wilson in a dramatic semi-final decider yesterday.
“I’m disappointed not to make the final,” admitted O’Sullivan. “But I did well to get it as close as I did really.
“Kyren deserved to win. I think he played the better snooker.
“I missed too many balls. At least three blacks off the spot, and they’re balls you shouldn’t miss.
“They’re missable but you shouldn’t be making those errors.”
O’Sullivan knew he had to deliver in Cardiff to book his spot in the 16-man Players Championship and eight-man Tour Championship – tournaments he won last season.
The £70,000 top prize would have all but clinched his spot in the top eight.
But he is precariously positioned in 16th place after his run to the final four.
“I don’t want to speculate about what other people are saying about me having a point to prove,” stressed the world No. 6.
“I don’t want to think about formulations and ramifications – I’ve have a good week.
“I just try to focus on what I do and that’s the most important thing really.
“It’s been a good week but it’s disappointing I couldn’t get to the final.”
O’Sullivan led 3-1, 4-2 and 5-4 before being pipped at the post by the world No. 8.
The Rocket hit breaks of 100, 125 and 81, but runs of 94, 69, 52, 136, 64 and 59 secured Wilson’s place in today’s showcase final.
He will have a shot at a fourth ranking title against either former world champion Shaun Murphy or John Higgins’ conqueror Yan Bingtao today.
Wilson is desperate to make his family proud by pocketing the title.
“My family have literally sacrificed their lives for me,” said an emotional Wilson.
“My mum and dad have remortgaged the house countless times, my brother has given up being a personal trainer.
“My wife takes my demons when I’m not in a good place.
“It’s nice to give them something back.”