O’Sullivan: I’m snookered by referees

Seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan claimed some referees “have it in for me” as he crashed out of the World Snooker Championship in a 13-10 quarterfinal defeat to Stuart Bingham yesterday.

Bingham, the 2015 champion, reeled off the last three frames to secure a famous win in Sheffield, England, but it was overshadowed by a bizarre incident in the 12th frame involving O’Sullivan and referee Desislava Bozhilova.

O’Sullivan was initially praised for an act of sportsmanship after seeming to play safe rather than opting to pot a red close to the black because he believed the black had not been spotted correctly.

He repeatedly asked Bozhilova to replace the ball because he believed it was rolling fractionally off its spot, incorrectly giving him an opportunity topotit.

The world No 1, who was 14 points behind and on a break of 20, eventually lost the frame but was hailed for his gesture, with Australia’s former world champion Neil Robertson, commentating on the BBC, calling it “the greatest bit of sportsmanship I’ve ever seen”.

However, O’Sullivan provided a different take on the incident, telling Eurosport: “To be honest with you, some of the refs, I think they’ve got it in for me, so I just wanted to prove to her that she got it wrong.

“I didn’t feel good about potting the ball after that, but I just wanted to make the point. The point was made.

“I’m not that hungry to win it in that way, so once the principle’s been made I can sleep at night.”

O’Sullivan subsequently told Bozhilova to “chill” after an incident in which she asked him to resume playing while he waited for some spectators to retake their seats in the arena.

Asked about the incidents afterwards, O’Sullivan changed his tune, insisting: “I won’t be commenting on players or referees, it’s not worth it.

“I’ll keep silent on that sort of stuff. I won’t comment on players and I won’t comment on referees. My life’s too good and I don’t need the hassle.”

Bingham now has a chance to join the list of multiple world champions after sealing a last-four clash with fellow qualifier Jak Jones.

The other semifinal will be an all-England affair between Kyren Wilson and David Gilbert. Those matches will be the best of 33 frames, with the final the best of 35. – AAP

GETTY IMAGES Ronnie O’Sullivan assesses his option during his quarterfinal defeat to Stuart Bingham at the world championships in Sheffield yesterday.

Bingham, the 2015 champion, celebrates his win against O’Sullivan.