Some snooker fans have been left unimpressed at how Ronnie O'Sullivan reacted to a mistake from the referee during his defeat to Mark Selby.
O'Sullivan was thrashed 6-0 on the night as he crashed out of the Players Championship at the quarter-final stage.
It ends what has been a remarkable unbeaten run for O'Sullivan dating back to November, which has seen him win the UK Championship, Masters and the World Grand Prix.
Selby was at his very best to end O'Sullivan's streak, but there was an incident in the very first frame that appeared to irk the world No 1.
Referee Desislava Bozhilova failed to warn O'Sullivan after he fouled on two shots despite the reds being in clear view.
Referee Desislava Bozhilova failed to warn Ronnie O'Sullivan after he fouled on two shots
ITV
Rules stipulate that a player must forfeit the frame if they miss a red three times in a row and the ball is in clear sight.
But referees are supposed to warn a player after the second miss, something Bozhilova failed to remember as O'Sullivan missed for a third time creating confusion.
She apologised after realising her mistake and told O'Sullivan that he would forfeit the frame if he missed a red for the third time.
The 'Rocket' then reacted by smashing the cue ball into the pack of reds to send them flying around the table.
That all but gave the frame to Selby, who won with a break of 65 and many felt it was a sign that O'Sullivan's heart wasn't in it.
One person moaned: "This is the moment Ronnie sabotaged the match, he couldn't be bothered and Selby knew it and took advantage."
Another noted: "What? A hissy fit?!"
A third said: "He is the greatest snooker player ever but unfortunately his ego is his downfall."
A fourth simple posted: "He wanted to lose."
Another said: "Looks like someone was very frustrated."
Selby took full advantage of a below-par performance from O'Sullivan, wrapping up the victory in just one hour and 40 minutes.
Unlike his opponent, the four-time world champion showcased his best talent with a 97 per cent live pot success rate and a safety success too.
Speaking after his win, Selby admitted to being delighted at the level he was able to produce against such an opponent.
Ronnie O'Sullivan reacted by smashing open the pack of reds
ITV
“Obviously I’m happy to win, of course. But the way I did it was quite pleasing. I felt as though I was in control of myself," he said.
“I felt confident out there. I felt as though I was going to score when I got a chance, and I did.
“I felt like I got a bit of confidence off the back end of the Hawkins game. Before the interval, I didn’t play great and was lucky to get out of it at 2-2 against Barry.
“After that, I dunno, it felt like something clicked. I felt more confident in my technique, and I was striking the ball a lot better and with more confidence.
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Ronnie not warned about the 3 miss rule almost costing him the frame! 😮#PlayersChampionship #ITVSnooker pic.twitter.com/sCa0VeqdYe
— ITV Snooker (@itvsnooker) February 22, 2024
“The way I finished off against Barry I think was the key to today’s win as well.
“If you can’t get up for playing Ronnie in a full crowd, which he always brings, then you’re in the wrong game.
“That’s where you want to test yourself. That sort of sees where your game is at when you’re put against the best in the game.
“At the moment, my game seems to be in a good place.”
