Ronnie O'Sullivan furiously punches table in frustrating encounter against John Higgins

Lewis Henderson
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:03:45 +0000

Ronnie O'Sullivan furiously punched the table in a frustrating encounter against John Higgins.

The seven-time world champion was seeking to establish a commanding 10-6 advantage but failed to pot a tricky red ball in the sixteenth frame.

The Rocket then let out an outburst, punching the table after missing the shot.

O'Sullivan departed the Crucible with only a two-frame cushion at 9-7, setting up a thrilling session today at 1pm.

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O'Sullivan had appeared poised to potentially seal victory with a session remaining after building a 6-2 lead on Saturday night.

However, his Scottish opponent staged a remarkable recovery in a session characterised by numerous unexpected errors and dramatic momentum shifts throughout the evening.

Commenting on the match, former world champion Ken Doherty said: "There you see, that's exactly what it means to Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"He's getting frustrated. He had a great chance in the previous frame and didn't convert."

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John Parrott suggested the outburst may have galvanised his opponent, remarking that O'Sullivan "has just made John Higgins try a bit harder".

Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry explained there was a marked change in the Rocket's demeanour between sessions.

He said: "Ronnie has not looked the same player tonight. He has not had that look in his eye.

"Saturday night, he just looked so intense, so focused. This time, he is not the same."

Higgins showed some remarkable resilience to claw his way back into contention, capturing frames 14, 15 and a tension-filled 16 after trailing 9-4.

Referee Marcel Eckardt chose not to issue a warning to O'Sullivan following his outburst, meaning the snooker superstar will face no fine or disciplinary consequences for his conduct.

In the afternoon session, Chris Wakelin took a 10-6 lead over Neil Roberton, setting up an entertaining encounter this evening.

Mark Selby will face Wu Yize in the other afternoon session, with the scoreline currently 9-7 in the Chinese player's advantage.

World number one Judd Trump is currently two frames behind against Hossein Vafaei, with the Iranian speaking before the tournament about his ambitions to make his nation proud.

He said: "I'm fighting as well for my country, for my family and I'm trying my best and will give it my all."