In a shocking twist at the 2024 English Open, seven-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan was sent packing in the first round by China’s He Guoqiang. The defeat has sent shockwaves through the snooker world, as the world No. 1 and heavy favorite to win the tournament was knocked out early, raising questions about his form and focus.
He Guoqiang, a relatively unknown figure on the international snooker stage, produced the performance of his career to overcome O’Sullivan 4-3 in a tense and thrilling encounter. Despite O’Sullivan’s experience and reputation for dominating matches, He displayed remarkable composure, handling the pressure with poise. The Chinese player showcased precision potting and solid safety play that kept O’Sullivan on the back foot for much of the match.
From the opening frames, it was clear that O’Sullivan was not at his sharpest. The “Rocket,” known for his fluidity and lightning-fast breaks, struggled to find his rhythm. He missed several routine shots, allowing He Guoqiang to gain confidence and capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes. Despite flashes of brilliance from O’Sullivan, including a trademark century break in the fourth frame to level the match, his inconsistency ultimately proved costly.
The deciding frame saw O’Sullivan make a crucial error when he missed a straightforward red that could have set him up for a match-winning break. He Guoqiang seized the opportunity, clearing the table with nerves of steel to seal the biggest win of his career.
Speaking after the match, He Guoqiang expressed disbelief at his victory. “It’s unbelievable. Ronnie is a legend of the game, and to beat him is a dream come true. I just tried to stay focused and play my best, and luckily, it worked out,” he said.
Meanwhile, O’Sullivan was gracious in defeat but admitted that he had not played his best. “It wasn’t my night. I missed too many shots and didn’t put him under enough pressure. Fair play to him, he deserved the win,” O’Sullivan stated.
This upset marks yet another early exit for O’Sullivan at the English Open, where his recent performances have been erratic. For He Guoqiang, the victory propels him into the spotlight, and all eyes will be on him as he advances in the tournament.