A furious Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Champions League snooker and thrown his cue in the bin in a raging outburst
Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Champions League snooker after a furious outburst.
‘The Rocket‘ decided to quit the competition following a 3-2 defeat to Robert Milkins on Thursday. O’Sullivan was visibly frustrated with his performance, hitting his cue on the table multiple times after he looked set to be heading towards taking the opening frame.
However, the 49-year-old missed a routine blue into the right middle pocket while leading 51-0. Milkins took the opportunity to return and steal the frame, setting the tone for a frustrating game for O’Sullivan.
‘The Rocket’ was due to face Ali Carter this afternoon but the match will no longer take place following O’Sullivan’s meltdown. His withdrawal means each of the matches he played have been void, dropping Milkins back onto zero points from the one he earned against the seven-time world champion.
O’Sullivan was left raging backstage following his defeat and allegedly binned his cue in the players’ lounge having lost three of his four matches on Wednesday and appearing to have issues with the tip of his cue on multiple occasions. The cue was said to have been retrieved by his manager afterwards.
His meltdown was played out in front of the cameras, with the commentator, Dave Hendon, explaining the situation at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester and confirming O’Sullivan has walked away from the tournament. “It’s all happening here in Leicester,” Hendon said.
“He certainly imploded during that opening game, Ronnie. He was absolutely furious with nothing but himself, just the way he was playing, things weren’t going right.
“Robert Milkins getting the win in the end. Ronnie O’Sullivan, having a lash-up at times, just smashing the ball. He clearly didn’t want to be here and he’s taken the decision to withdraw.”
One of O’Sullivan’s bizarre outbursts saw him react to a miss by sticking his tongue out, spreading his squat legs and moving the cue back and forth from his waist in what appeared to be a lewd gesture. The Rocket lost his composure again in the deciding frame when he potted the cue ball, allowing Milkins to clinch a 3-2 victory.