Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Championship League following a string of erratic behavior and poor performances during his group matches at the Leicester Arena. The seven-time world champion, known as “The Rocket,” displayed visible frustration throughout the competition, culminating in a decision to pull out before his final match on Thursday.
Bizarre Antics During Defeats
O’Sullivan, 49, struggled with form, losing four of his five matches in the tournament. During his 3-2 defeat to Robert Milkins, his emotions boiled over, leading to several unusual incidents:
- Cue Slam: He whacked his cue against the table after missing a pot, later apologizing to the referee and Milkins.
- Unusual Gesture: After failing a routine blue pot, O’Sullivan appeared to make a lewd gesture, squatting, sticking his tongue out, and moving his cue in an exaggerated manner.
- Reckless Play: He fired the cue ball into a cluster of reds, effectively handing Milkins the match.
Tournament Withdrawal
Following his defeat to Milkins, O’Sullivan opted not to play his final group match against Ali Carter, withdrawing from the event entirely. His withdrawal voided all of his previous matches, reducing his points to zero and reshaping the tournament format.
“Ronnie O’Sullivan… was clearly getting frustrated,” commentator Dave Hendon explained. “He has made the decision to withdraw from the tournament.”
O’Sullivan’s recent frustrations have raised questions about his mindset and form as he approaches the latter stages of his illustrious career. Known for his brilliance on the table and unpredictable personality, O’Sullivan has had moments of volatility before, but this episode underscores the challenges he faces as he seeks consistency.
The Championship League continues with six remaining players in the group, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, fans and pundits are left to speculate on what’s next for one of snooker’s most iconic yet enigmatic figures.
