Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled off many miracles, but his dramatic final-frame shootout against Mark Selby in 2018 was particularly legendary.
With a semi-final hanging in the balance at the Northern Irish Open, O’Sullivan showed why he is considered the greatest showman in snooker history.
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O’Sullivan somehow managed to pot the red from this positionCredit: Eurosport
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Selby could only watch in disbelief
Following a series of tense exchanges, Selby fluked a snooker, putting O’Sullivan on the brink of defeat.
The Rocket was 25 points behind in the frame with 28 remaining – and in desperate need of something special.
And, as snooker fans have become accustomed to, he delivered.
O’Sullivan escaped the snooker on his third attempt with a truly magical effort, not only making contact with the last red, but somehow managing to pot it from a seemingly impossible position.
He then showed no mercy by executing a remarkable clearance, with Selby’s face a picture of disbelief as he was forced to watch his lead in the frame slowly slip away.
Unfortunately, O’Sullivan’s finesse didn’t carry into the final, where he faced Judd Trump.
Trump emerged victorious with a 9–7 win, clinching his ninth professional ranking title.
A break of 134 had placed O’Sullivan ahead at 7-6, but Trump rallied to take three frames in succession, securing the £70,000 first prize and the Alex Higgins Trophy.
O’Sullivan is due to be in action against Stuart Carrington in the World Open on February 22.
However, The Rocket has ignited speculation of a potential retirement after withdrawing from several events in recent weeks.
These include the Masters, German Masters, and Welsh Open.
O’Sullivan’s last appearance came at the Champions League in January.
The 49-year-old attributed his absences to his mental health.
With fans left in suspense about when – or if – he’ll return, O’Sullivan’s close friend Jimmy White is hopeful for a swift comeback.
White told Eurosport: “He needs some match practice before the World Championship.
“He needs to get amongst it.
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O’Sullivan’s 2025 has not gone according to plan so farCredit: Getty
“I have heard he has a good cue he is happy with, [but] I am only hearing whispers.”
Suggesting that the seven-time world champion needs to return to find some form, White added: “He needs to be playing in some tournaments to get some match practice under his belt.
“That said, do you remember when he did not play for a year, and then he came and won the World Championship (in 2013)?
“So as long as he is playing, he has every chance.”
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Publish date : 2025-02-20 00:00:00
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