Ronnie O'Sullivan avenges He Guoqiang, advances to third round

Posted : 04 November 2024

Ronnie O'Sullivan showcased his strong performance by defeating He Guoqiang at the International Championship in Nanjing, China. This match marked O'Sullivan's return to competitive play since his earlier defeat to He at the English Open in September. The Rocket avenged that loss decisively with a 6-2 victory, setting up a clash against Pang Junxu in the next round. In addition to O'Sullivan, Northern Ireland Open champion Kyren Wilson also progressed, joining Joe Perry in advancing to the next stage of the tournament.

This tournament was particularly significant for O'Sullivan, as it was his first match following a disappointing exit at the English Open. Despite concerns about potential rustiness, he quickly dispelled any doubts after dropping the first frame of the match. O'Sullivan responded with a series of impressive performances, racking up seven consecutive half-century breaks to secure his spot in the third round.

Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria

The day also saw other top players advance, including Judd Trump, Shaun Murphy, and Mark Williams. Kyren Wilson, who triumphed over Lui Hongyu with a 6-3 win, extended his winning streak to eight matches. He achieved the highest break of the tournament thus far with an impressive 143, demonstrating his formidable skills on the table. Barry Hawkins secured a solid 6-2 victory over Joe Perry, while Si Jiahui outplayed Ben Mertens with a 6-3 win.

In a particularly dominant display, Neil Robertson made four century breaks to defeat Fan Zhengyi 6-0, while Mark Allen emerged victorious against Aaron Hill with a score of 6-2. O'Sullivan’s match began with him failing to score in the opening frame, which He claimed with a break of 57. However, O'Sullivan quickly found his rhythm, leveling the match in the second frame with a solid break of 73.

After gaining momentum, O'Sullivan took the lead in the third frame but missed a double shot, giving He a chance. The Rocket capitalized on the opportunity, responding with a break of 87 to move ahead in the contest. He continued his strong performance, maintaining a 3-1 lead at the interval after another impressive break of 87.

Upon returning from the break, O'Sullivan continued his relentless play, starting with a well-executed shot that initiated another break. He quickly pulled further ahead by winning his fourth consecutive frame, putting him in a commanding position. It seemed like a smooth path to victory as he created a frame-winning opportunity in the sixth frame. However, a missed blue shot provided He with a chance to close the gap to 4-2.

Despite a minor setback, where O'Sullivan again missed a simple red, he managed to regain control of the match. He displayed his frustration but quickly returned to form when He misplayed a shot, allowing O'Sullivan to clear the table. By the eighth frame, O'Sullivan was firmly in control, leading 57-0. Although he had to play defensively after failing to break into the pack, he soon returned to potting with a long red.

With the finish line in sight, O'Sullivan sealed his victory with style, securing his advancement to the next round and furthering his pursuit of the International Championship title. His strong performance not only avenged a previous defeat but also underscored his status as a formidable contender in the tournament.

Ronnie O'Sullivan avenges He Guoqiang, advances to third round

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics