Commentator praises Ronnie O’Sullivan’s reaction after crashing out of World Open to arch-rival
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN was praised for his reaction after losing to his arch-nemesis.
The legend, 48, was sent crashing out of the World Open by Hossein Vafaei this morning.
The seven-time World Championship winner’s miss on the black to win the match in the final frame proved costly as the Iranian capitalised and progressed to the quarters.
The two men have been involved in a long-running feud after first clashing in 2022.
However, there did not appear to be any bad blood after O’Sullivan blew the chance to win the match after he pocketed a brilliant red, but then missed a much simpler black.
Vafaei, 29, then took his opportunity to clear the table and held his nerve on the colours to seal victory by just a point.
After potting the crucial shot, he turned round to face the approaching O’Sullivan before they shook hands.
A few pleasantries seemed to be exchanged and even a hug before the World No.1 gave Vafei a thumbs-up and left in order to let his opponent soak up the plaudits.
And O’Sullivan even received praise from the Eurosport commentator covering the World Open, who said: “O’Sullivan couldn’t quite get over the line. He’s gracious in defeat.”
The pair hit the headlines two years ago when O’Sullivan suggested Vafaei may be suited to a different job.
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The Iranian hit back angrily and suggested that O’Sullivan should retire to allow younger players more opportunities.
Vafaei then revealed that he was “frustrated” by many of O’Sullivan’s behaviours, including the star labelling his colleagues “numpties” and suggesting he would not encourage his kids to take up the sport as for many playing snooker is “a waste of life”.
However, in typical O’Sullivan fashion, he stoked the spat by claiming he gets “turned on” when he receives criticism.
And he also added that he was “fired up” by Vafaei’s retirement comments.
The two men went head-to-head again when Vafaei decided to reignite tensions with a ”disrespectful” break off shot of his own, smashing up the reds during their World Snooker Championship tie last year.
The Englishman would have the last laugh, however, as he thrashed Vafaei 13-2, and the pair appeared to make amends as they hugged at the end before laughing and joking with one another.
O'SULLIVAN vs VAFAEI
Here's the timeline of the pair's feud
Jan 2021: Vafaei accuses O’Sullivan of “disrespect” after he smashes up the reds with a break-off shot during qualifying for the German Masters
The Rocket hits back by suggesting snooker is not the right job for Vafaei
April 2022: Vafaei is riled up again over comments O’Sullivan made about young players trying to get into the game
The Iranian adds O’Sullivan “ought to retire”
April 2023: O’Sullivan revealed he was “fired up” by the retirement comments and says he gets “turned on” by criticism from rivals
Vafaei smashes up the reds with a break-off shot during their World Snooker Championship clash
O’Sullivan thrashes Vafaei 13-2 but pair embrace and are seen laughing and joking
March 2024: Pair seem to have put their disagreements aside as Vafaei knocks O’Sullivan out of the World Open
Meanwhile, The Rocket left commentators in shock as he raged after missing a simple shot earlier this week in Yushan, China.
He eventually came through his first round clash against Michael White with a 5-3 victory but not without losing his temper as he tried to close out the match at 4-3.
He stepped up to the table looking to put a red into the far corner only to make a poor error as the ball hit the cushion instead of falling into the pocket.
O’Sullivan then stuck his tongue out in frustration and grimaced before bashing his cue against the side of the table.