Who is the little known snooker star who has defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan three times out of four?
It sounds like the perfect pub quiz question and few would likely sink the right answer. But Alexander Ursenbacher holds a record many brothers of the baize would dream of. The Swiss star – dubbed the Federer of the sport in his early years – is heading back to qualifying school in a bid to reignite a career which only comes alive against the Rocket. His turmoil at the table led to him sinking to 87th in the world last year.
But his success against the seven–time world champion even earned a quip from the man himself as he joked Ursenbacher should "maybe he should go out there and pretend he’s playing me", during his struggles at last year's Northern Ireland Open. But the 27-year-old believes there's a reason why he thrives against who is widely regarded as the finest ever to pick up a cue.
