Ronnie O’Sullivan’s classy message to Luca Brecel revealed after shock World Championship upset
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN showed his class following his shock World Championship loss to Luca Brecel.
The Rocket was beaten 13-10 by an inspired Brecel in the Crucible quarter-finals.
But O’Sullivan was humble in defeat and wished his conqueror well heading into the final four.
Brecel told the BBC panel: “He said, ‘I hope you win it, you’re a great player, great to watch.’ All those things. Yeah, that was nice.”
O’Sullivan led 10-6 after the second session on Tuesday evening and many he thought he would only have to turn up to win.
But he had to spend the majority of this afternoon in his chair as Brecel excelled himself in the match of his life.
The 28-year-old – who had not won at this venue before arriving in Sheffield this month – claimed an incredible SEVEN FRAMES in a row.
It was the first time at world level O’Sullivan had surrendered a 10-6 lead here since losing to Peter Ebdon in the last eight in 2005.
Brecel, the No9 seed, has completely opened up the draw and will now play either Scotsman Anthony McGill or China’s Si Jiahui in the semi-finals tomorrow.
O’Sullivan, 47, said: “Luca played unbelievable.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
“He is such a good player. I love watching him play. His cue action – he gets through the ball so well. It is incredible.
“The whip he gets on the white, the topspin, the thud he hits the ball with.
“Such a dynamic player, full of talent. Probably the most talented snooker player I have seen.”