Rocket title bid falls flat
Ronnie O’Sullivan missed a chance to make another slice of snooker history at the Welsh Open.
The Rocket was bidding to level John Higgins on five Welsh Open titles and eclipse Stephen Hendry’s record of 36 ranking wins.
But his title bid was ended 6-5 by Kyren Wilson in a dramatic semi-final decider yesterday.
O’Sullivan said: “I’m disappointed not to make the final but I did well to get so close.
“Kyren deserved to win as he played better snooker.
“I missed too many balls, at least three blacks off the spot and they’re ones you shouldn’t miss.
“You shouldn’t be making those errors.”
O’Sullivan had to deliver in Cardiff to book his spot in the 16- man Players Championship and eightman Tour Championship, both tournaments he won last season.
The £70,000 top prize would have all but clinched his spot in the top eight but he is now in 16th place after his run to the final four.
The World No.6 said: “I don’t want to speculate.
“I don’t want to think about formulations and ramifications – I’ve have a good week.”
O’Sullivan led 3-1, 4-2 and 5- 4 before being pipped at the post by the World No.8 Wilson.
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.
Wilson is desperate to make his family proud by pocketing the title. He said: “My family have sacrificed their lives for me.
“Mum and dad have remortgaged the house and my wife takes my demons when I’m not in a good place. It’s nice to give them something back.”