Ronnie O’Sullivan Kicks Off 34th Snooker Season with Thrilling Victory at Shanghai Masters
Ronnie O’Sullivan has launched his 34th professional snooker season in style, clinching a nail-biting 6-5 victory over Barry Hawkins in the round of 16 at the Shanghai Masters. At 49 years old, O’Sullivan’s win marks his first competitive match since tying the knot with actress Laila Rouass last month in East London.
This victory is particularly significant as it comes with a top prize of £210,000, and O’Sullivan described his performance as the best since he secured his seventh world title at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in 2022. Currently basking in the afterglow of his recent marriage, O’Sullivan is clearly in a celebratory mood after this dramatic win.
In a thrilling match, O’Sullivan showed remarkable resilience, overcoming a 3-2 deficit to take a 5-3 lead with impressive breaks of 94, 94, 90, and 89. However, Hawkins, a seasoned player at 46 years old, refused to back down, forcing the match into a deciding frame with a century break of 106, marking his 501st career century.
Despite not scoring a century himself in this campaign, O’Sullivan managed to secure the critical last frame, allowing him to progress to the quarter-finals where he will face Kyren Wilson. This match represents a chance for O’Sullivan to chase early-season silverware in China.
Reflecting on his performance, O’Sullivan admitted to having moments of frustration during the match, even striking the table in frustration at one point. However, he expressed satisfaction after the match, stating, "I played probably the best I have played for maybe since I won the World Championship in 2022." He acknowledged the competitive nature of the match, admitting, "That was a good performance. I could have lost it as well."
Playing with a replacement cue since his preferred one broke earlier in the year, O’Sullivan also praised the playing conditions despite the humidity in Shanghai, although he expressed some uncertainty about how conditions would hold up for the rest of the tournament.
As he prepares for his upcoming match against Wilson, O’Sullivan is also enjoying the joys of newlywed life. His recent marriage to 53-year-old Laila Rouass took place on Cable Street in Shadwell, a location chosen to celebrate her Moroccan and Indian heritage. The couple, who had previously separated last September, reconciled ten months later and are reportedly contemplating a move to Dubai.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ronnie O’Sullivan’s journey in the Shanghai Masters and his pursuit of the substantial £210,000 winner’s cheque!
