Snooker genius Rocket Ronnie O Sullivan was knocked out by 23 year-old Mark Allen after an interesting 2nd round 25 frame battle at the Crucible.
The 13 to 11 defeat means it is the first time Rocket Ronnie has failed to reach the last 8 since being ousted by Marco Fu in the 1st round in 2003.
The world number 1 returned on Saturday morning with a 9 to 7 lead over the Northern Ireland newcomer hot shot but lost the 1st 3 frames of the day as Mark Allen took the lead.
However, Mr O Sullivan responded in his usualy style by potting 14 reds and looking poised for a 4th career maximum at the Crucible before he missed a difficult black which he chose to play left handed as he so often does.
It was a frame O Sullivan had to win, having been outplayed by Mark Allen who fought back from 9 to 7 down at the resumption to pinch a 10 to 9 lead.
Mark Allen shared his thoughts on the game:
I was pleased to come through, considering Ronnie didn’t play that badly… He can just reel off frame after frame and make you look a bit silly really. It was up to me to dig in and I knew the chances would come.
I hung in there at 9-7 yesterday considering Ronnie played very, very well. That may have demoralised him a little bit. He played so well but he still wasn’t pulling clear. I loved every minute of it. Just to be out there with Ronnie at the Crucible… he’s the most talented player the game has ever seen. To play one of your heroes at the Crucible in the World Championships is a dream come true, but that inspired me.
A lot of people may have crumbled but I loved it because even when Ronnie was making breaks, I thought, ‘I’ll get him next time.
So who do you fancy to take the title at the Crucible this year following Rocket Ronnies surprise exit from the tournament? Why not check out our list of the best betting sites for betting on the Crucible this year with the best odds and have yourself a flutter now Ronnie is out:
