Chigwell’s Ronnie O’Sullivan suffered a 6-2 defeat against Elliot Slessor in the China Open on Tuesday, despite a scintillating maximum break in the fifth frame – the 14th of his career.
There are few spectacles in sport that excite and inspire the mind quite like snooker’s 147. A missed red from Slessor into the left pocket opposite the baulk-end allowed O’Sullivan right amongst the pack, and in true Ronnie fashion he began to build points in rocketing style.
A tricky plant developed the cue-ball nicely for the black; a pot and subsequent cannon into the bunch of reds indicated that Slessor might not revisit the table.
Master at work
It is testament to O’Sullivan’s genius that he’s able to produce such magical snooker with his back seemingly against the wall – it’s why he’s undoubtedly the greatest player to ever grace the green baize. At four frames down, he needed to produce. Produce he did.
The Rocket had the cue-ball on a piece of string throughout the frame, demonstrating joyous control and awareness on the table. He lost position momentarily, only to make amends with a sumptuous tight angle shot into the right middle.
Despite registering the maximum break, O’Sullivan’s effort was in vain. Slessor maintained a steely composure to win the following frames 5-1, 5-2 and 6-2. The young player from Gateshead displayed maturity and clinical vision around the table, building points relentlessly when he needed to.
Giant killer
Plaudits must go to Slessor, 23, who is making a lot of noise on the circuit this season. He typifies the new age of talent entering the sport and veterans such as O’Sullivan will be pleased that snooker is in good hands.
Slessor, ranked 71 places below O’Sullivan, goes through to the last 32 in Beijing to face Tom Ford.
Although a defeat for O’Sullivan in Beijing, the five-time world champion has had one of the best seasons of his career so far, winning five of the 11 ranking events he has contested.
Speaking to World Snooker, O’Sullivan said, “Elliot played a fantastic match, he kept potting balls and there wasn’t a lot I could do about it. The 147 was nice for me and nice for the fans. Obviously I would have preferred to win the match, but a 147 is a good second prize.”
Other than John Higgins, Slessor is the only player to beat him twice in those events, having also knocked him out of the Northern Ireland Open in November.
Match progress: 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, 4-1, 5-1, 5-2, 6-2