Ronnie O'Sullivan leaves former rivals stunned after 'the best session of snooker ever seen'

Ronnie O'Sullivan leaves former rivals stunned after 'the best session of snooker ever seen'

WATCH NOW: Ronnie O'Sullivan lifts an eighth Masters title

Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 21/01/2024

- 10:34

The 48-year-old was at his scintillating best on Saturday

Ronnie O'Sullivan's performance against Ding Junhui has been described as 'one of the best snooker sessions' of all time.

The Rocket dismantled his opponent 6-1 in the semi-final of the World Grand Prix to leave two of his former rivals in awe of what they had seen.


O'Sullivan hit four century breaks in a match that lasted just over 70 minutes at the Morningside Arena in Leicester.

He has set up a final against Judd Trump, which takes place on Sunday.

Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan was at his best at the World Grand Prix on Sunday

Getty

O'Sullivan has been hugely critical of his own performance in recent weeks, despite winning a record-extending eighth Masters title.

He has repeatedly stated he wants a break from competing as he is not enjoying playing in tournaments.

But he keeps winning and has a chance to pick up another trophy at the World Grand Prix.

Ken Doherty has had many a battle with O'Sullivan over the years.

And he admitted afterwards he had not seen a better performance in his long career in the sport.

The stunned Irishman told ITV: "I think it's one of the best sessions of snooker I've ever seen played.

"I've witnessed a lot over the years, both against him and against other players.

"But it just doesn't get much better than that.

"He's such an artist, such a genius, it is artistic, it's poetic, it's balletic and it's like snooker from the gods, without a shadow of a doubt."

Legendary former jockey Sir AP McCoy was in attendance in Leicester to watch O'Sullivan storm to victory.

Doherty had a word of warning that he cannot expect to see snooker like that every time he visits.

The pundit added: "Tony McCoy came, it was probably his first time at live snooker.

"If he thinks that snooker is like this every time he comes along, he's got another thing coming.

"There's nobody that makes the game look so ridiculously easy when it's so, so tough.

"He put on a show for not only Tony McCoy but for everyone in here and for us in the studio. It was just mesmerising."

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Alan McManus and Ken Doherty

Alan McManus and Ken Doherty were left stunned by Ronnie O'Sullivan's performance

ITV

Meanwhile, former Scottish star Alan McManus couldn't believe what he had seen from O'Sullivan.

He felt sorry for Ding, who was unable to lay a glove on O'Sullivan throughout the match.

McManus said: "I've seen it and I don't believe it.

"I want to see some of the shots again, we are fortunately going to get to see them.

"It was mind-boggling. It was actually one of those 'I was there' nights because frankly, it can't get any better than that.

Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan stormed through to the World Grand Prix final

Getty

"Right from the very start to the very end, it was perfection.

"This pink was unbelievable but he wanted to finish the masterpiece with another piece of genius.

"Ding, I feel sorry for him tonight but what can anyone do?"

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