"Ronnie O'Sullivan admits to underperforming" - World Championship interviewee comments on career low following defeat
The legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan's journey at the World Snooker Championship this year took a tumble when he was walloped 17-7 by Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals.
In an agonizing morning session, O'Sullivan slumped dismally, dropping a stunning eight frames in a row, an insurmountable hurdle that left him gasping for a victory he would never grasp. Zhao, the shining Chinese star, seized the opportunity and sprinted ahead with a winning spirit that left O'Sullivan standing stunned.
Zhao's triumph pulls him closer to legendary status after claiming the title of the second Asian finalist at the World Championship since Ding Junhui in 2016.
After witnessing Zhao's outstanding performance, O'Sullivan couldn't help but praise his adversary, "Zhao played bloody brilliant, he deserved his win," he told BBC Four. "I think he's been outstanding all tournament, all credit to Zhao."
Reflecting on his crushing defeat, O'Sullivan admitted, "I've been bloody awful for a while now. Those performances are in there, but sadly they've been coming out regularly recently." The Crucible claimed another victim from the five-time world champion without pausing for breath.
In a stark echo of history, O'Sullivan made an early exit from the tournament with a session to spare, the first such occurrence in thirty-one long years. His performance on the green baize this year had been uncertain due to his absence since January.
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Despite his age, O'Sullivan has lately shown a willingness to face the press about his dwindling passion for snooker. Yet despite his frankness, the fire of his desire seems to be waning. When questioned about his eagerness to compete, he admitted, "I'd really like it to be there, I'd love to play well, and I just felt like I never gave him a game, so that's a bit disappointing."
Zhao was humble in victory, remembering O'Sullivan's influence on his career, "I need to say thank you to Ronnie because he has helped me a lot before. He's my idol," Zhao told the BBC. Acknowledging the unique pressure of competing at the Crucible, Zhao confessed, "I've played here and sometimes the crowd is helpful for Ronnie, he deserves that. He is a legend here, so I needed to control myself."
With the final match looming, Zhao will face either Mark Williams or Judd Trump after they too have battled to an 8-8 stalemate. But the true champion of Sheffield this year may be the Crucible itself, a relentless force that demands the utmost from every player who dares to challenge its green-clothed grip.
- Despite his brutal defeat at the hands of Zhao Xintong, Ronnie O'Sullivan, the snooker legend, acknowledges the latter's brilliant play, expressing his admiration for the Chinese player's performance in the World Championship.
- Zhao Xintong, who is now one step closer to earning legendary status, has been influenced by Ronnie O'Sullivan in his snooker career and expressed his gratitude towards the five-time world champion for his guidance.
- As Zhao Xintong prepares to face either Mark Williams or Judd Trump in the final match, the Crucible, often called a relentless force in snooker, demands the utmost from every player, having claimed another victim in the form of Ronnie O'Sullivan.
