Ronnie O'Sullivan's dream of a record breaking eighth world title win was shattered after a storming comeback from Luca Brecel.
'The Rocket' went into today's third session leading 10-6, needing just three frames to secure a place in the semi final. Instead, a bullish Brecel dominated proceedings, winning seven straight frames to prevail 13-10.
Playing with the air of a man with little to lose, Brecel showed real aggression as he took on difficult pots, but in truth O'Sullivan seemed a shadow of the man whose lit up The Crucible so frequently in the past.
The Englishman had won the final two frames on Tuesday night to seemingly reassume control of the contest, but afterwards, he was full of praise for Brecel, who has never previously been beyond the first round in Sheffield: "He played unbelievable," he told the BBC. "He’s such a good player, I love watching him play. His cue action, he gets through the ball so well.
"Probably the most talented player I’ve ever seen and I'd love to see him go and win it for snooker. Because that’s how snooker should be played. Phenomenal player. Phenomenal talent. Wish him all the best."
The 47-year-old also admitted he was below par, but refused to blame the virus that had plagued him earlier int he tournament: "If I'd put up a bit more resistance maybe he wouldn't have played as well, I didn’t put up any. But he showed he’s playing with confidence.. "I was just punching frames and hanging on. And there’s only so much hanging on you can do at The Crucible. It catches up with you.
Unveiling his plans for the rest of the week, he said: "I've no hangover (from the virus). I can go back out running tomorrow thank god. I'll do some punditry work and have some fun."
Brecel, who sealed glory with a 63 break, seemed the only man not taken aback with how things unfolded: "I always play the same game so it's not a surprise to me," he said. "I know if the balls go well I can easily win seven frames in a row. Even against Ronnie."
He also outlined his somewhat relaxed approach this far, claiming he was "drunk as hell" after his 13-11 win in the previous round against Mark Williams: "We were out until 5 or 6am in the morning," he joked, adding he had spent his time between matches playing X-Box with friends.
