Ronnie O'Sullivan Falls Short in China as Lisowski Claims Maiden Ranking Title
In a shocking upset, Ronnie O'Sullivan was knocked out of the International Championship by fellow Englishman Jack Lisowski. The 34-year-old took advantage of his opponent's struggles to secure a hard-fought 6-5 victory, claiming Lisowski's maiden ranking title.
Lisowski's impressive performance came after he established a 5-3 lead against O'Sullivan, showcasing his skills with a highest break of 113. Despite the loss, O'Sullivan showed resilience by leveling the match and forcing a deciding frame. However, Lisowski ultimately clinched victory in the 11th frame, capitalizing on earlier match-winning chances that had slipped through O'Sullivan's grasp.
Lisowski has now won nine successive matches on the World Snooker Tour, positioning himself for a strong run to the final. His next challenge will be against Barry Hawkins in the last 16 after he defeated Jak Jones 6-3.
Other notable results from the tournament saw Zak Surety craft a 147 break in his 6-5 victory over Aaron Hill, showcasing his talent as a young player. England's Zak Surety secured a maximum break of 147, just like O'Sullivan. Chinese world champion Zhao Xintong also came close to an upset but survived against compatriot Lei Peifan.
Veterans John Higgins and Stephen Maguire both advanced with solid performances, including wins over Hossein Vafaei and Kyren Wilson respectively. Other winners included former champions Neil Robertson and Mark Selby, as well as Judd Trump, Shaun Murphy, Ding Junhui, Anthony McGill, Si Jiahui, and Wu Yize.
As O'Sullivan turns 50 next month, this loss will come as a disappointment to fans of the legendary cueist. However, Lisowski's triumph marks an exciting start for his career, with many eyes now on him as a dark horse in the tournament.
In a shocking upset, Ronnie O'Sullivan was knocked out of the International Championship by fellow Englishman Jack Lisowski. The 34-year-old took advantage of his opponent's struggles to secure a hard-fought 6-5 victory, claiming Lisowski's maiden ranking title.
Lisowski's impressive performance came after he established a 5-3 lead against O'Sullivan, showcasing his skills with a highest break of 113. Despite the loss, O'Sullivan showed resilience by leveling the match and forcing a deciding frame. However, Lisowski ultimately clinched victory in the 11th frame, capitalizing on earlier match-winning chances that had slipped through O'Sullivan's grasp.
Lisowski has now won nine successive matches on the World Snooker Tour, positioning himself for a strong run to the final. His next challenge will be against Barry Hawkins in the last 16 after he defeated Jak Jones 6-3.
Other notable results from the tournament saw Zak Surety craft a 147 break in his 6-5 victory over Aaron Hill, showcasing his talent as a young player. England's Zak Surety secured a maximum break of 147, just like O'Sullivan. Chinese world champion Zhao Xintong also came close to an upset but survived against compatriot Lei Peifan.
Veterans John Higgins and Stephen Maguire both advanced with solid performances, including wins over Hossein Vafaei and Kyren Wilson respectively. Other winners included former champions Neil Robertson and Mark Selby, as well as Judd Trump, Shaun Murphy, Ding Junhui, Anthony McGill, Si Jiahui, and Wu Yize.
As O'Sullivan turns 50 next month, this loss will come as a disappointment to fans of the legendary cueist. However, Lisowski's triumph marks an exciting start for his career, with many eyes now on him as a dark horse in the tournament.