Ronnie O’Sullivan, the seven-time world champion, has been knocked out in the opening round of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast, suffering what has been described as one of the most embarrassing defeats of his career.
O’Sullivan was stunned 4-3 by world number 110 Cheung Ka Wai, who rallied to win three consecutive frames. This marks Cheung's first main draw knockout victory at a ranking event.
The match was O’Sullivan's first in the UK since his 13-12 second-round loss to John Higgins at the World Championship in Sheffield in April. Despite a 138 total clearance in the second frame, a series of errors allowed the Hong Kong qualifier to capitalise and secure his place in the second round.