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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Sam Brookes

Ronnie O'Sullivan stunned by Hong Kong qualifier on UK return

  • Ronnie O’Sullivan suffered one of the most humiliating defeats of his glittering career when he was beaten by a player ranked outside the world’s top 100 on Monday.
  • O’Sullivan took on Hong Kong qualifier Cheung Ka Wai, who is currently the World No 110, in the opening round of the Northern Ireland Open.
  • O’Sullivan, 50, was playing his first match in the UK since he was knocked out in the second round of the World Championship by John Higgins back in April.
  • The seven-time world champion seemed on course for a routine win as he moved 3-1 ahead, but his opponent fought back to force a deciding frame.
  • It was then Cheung, who only joined the tour in 2024, who held his nerve to record a memorable 4-3 win as O’Sullivan crashed out of the tournament.
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