‘Inside I was nearly crying,’ says Ronnie O’Sullivan rival after ‘unforgivable’ mistake before dramatic World Open win
HOSSEIN VAFAEI was close to tears after an “unforgivable” mistake in his World Open win over Ronnie O’Sullivan.
The Prince of Persia beat O’Sullivan 5-4 in the last 16 on Thursday at the Yushan Sport Centre in China.
However, the Iranian almost spurned his chances of victory during a dramatic final frame.
Vafaei looked on course to win before missing a straightforward red, which left the commentators stunned.
His error allowed the Rocket to return to the table, with O’Sullivan opening up a 26-point lead after potting the final red.
He himself then missed a black along the cushion to hand the initiative back to Vafaei, who went on to win the match.
Speaking afterwards, he told WST.tv: “I’m still shocked how I missed that red to be honest with you. I feel great, but to be honest with you, I’m still shocked how I missed that red.
“I went down so quick [on the shot] that my eyes couldn’t see anywhere. That was unforgivable.”
Revealing how emotional he was during the final frame, Vafaei continued: “I had to control myself but inside I was nearly crying, how did I miss that?
“Because I saw the red on the position on the table and all of a sudden I said, ‘That’s finished, I’ve done it’. And then all of a sudden I missed the red, I don’t know how.”
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The eventful last 16 clash had earlier been disrupted by a “xylophone” noise from the crowd.
Vafaei’s win sets up a quarter-final meeting with Ding Junhui for a place in the last four.
This week’s World Open will conclude on Sunday with the winner claiming £170,000 in prize money.