Ronnie O’Sullivan punches desk as Barry Hawkins dumps him out of UK Snooker Championship

On Nov 23, 2024

Eight-time UK Championship winner Ronnie O’Sullivan has been knockout out on day one of the 2024 event by Barry Hawkins.

The legendary snooker star lost 6-4 to Hawkins, who is the world number 20. O’Sullivan, the top seed at the tournament, faced off against Hawkins during the 2013 World Championship final, with the former coming out on top 18-12.

Against Hawkins, O’Sullivan started well, leading 3-1 and 4-1. However, Hawkins hit back. The 45-year-old had only won two of his previous 20 meetings against O’Sullivan, producing some stunning shots to do so at the York Barbican on Saturday afternoon.

Following the mid-session interval, Hawkins took the first frame, which caused O’Sullivan to show off his frustration after he punched the table with his fist after missing a shot. And in the end, it was Hawkins who came out on top.

“I don’t really want to analyse it,” O’Sullivan said after his defeat. “Barry played a good game, I didn’t really get a chance from 4-2 and he shut me out.

“I’ll try not to look back on it. I’ll try to move on from it. There was frustration when I missed that red. It was sort of game ball really at 4-2 with a good chance. I felt in control of the match then.

He continued: “When you miss silly balls the game never forgives you. That’s what snooker will do for you. I’m pretty much used to losing matches. You have to roll with it.”

Following his win, Hawkins said: “It’s been a while. When I drew him I thought ‘I’m going home again’. I’ve let myself down too many times against Ronnie. I’ve given him too much respect at times

“I’ve crumbled under the pressure against him, it’s a massive win for me. I’m over the moon really. The Tour Championship semi-final [in 2021] really hurt. I was 9-6 up and had him beat and he came back. I’m really proud of myself for standing up under the pressure.”