Ronnie O’Sullivan defeated women’s world number one Mink Nutcharut 6-3 in the first round of the International Championship in Nanjing, China, after the match was delayed
Ronnie O’Sullivan defeated women’s world number one Mink Nutcharut 6-3 in the first round of the International Championship in Nanjing, China, after the match was delayed Ronnie O’Sullivan defeated women’s world number one Mink Nutcharut 6-3 in the first round of the International Championship in Nanjing, China, after the match was delayed
Ronnie O’Sullivan managed to avoid a first-ever career defeat against a woman during an action-packed match in China.
O’Sullivan came up against Mink Nutcharut in the International Championship in Nanjing and was given a real scare by the women’s world number one. The 24-year-old took the opening frame and claimed the sixth and seventh to make the score 4-3 in the best-of-11 match.
The Rocket, who had recently pulled out of three tournaments, has never been beaten by a woman in his 32-year professional career and managed to rally to see off the Thai player 6-3, reeling off a break of 132 to seal his progression to the next round. But he knew he had been pushed by 2022 women’s world champion Nutcharut and shared some complimentary words with her after the match.
Later on, O’Sullivan tweeted: “An absolute privilege to play such a talented opponent. Thank you for the game and good luck in the future.”
The match had begun nearly an hour late after overcrowding in the venue. The World Snooker Tour posted on social media: “Due to the amount of spectators, for safety reasons the afternoon session has been delayed until 2:50pm.”
O’Sullivan is a major draw for spectators in China, with Eurosport commentator David Hendon explaining: “It actually started nearly an hour late because there was such a lot of people to get in, the previous session had to be curtailed. They had to get everybody in, it took a while.”
Once the match did get underway, the crowd were treated to a gripping contest which Nutcharut edged in stages. O’Sullivan took a 4-1 lead but did not look convincing and was pulled back to 4-3 before he clicked into gear to win it.
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Image:
Tai Chengzhe/VCG via Getty Images)
The seven-time world champion will face He Guoqiang in the second round in pursuit of the £175,000 cheque which will go to the tournament champion. That should be a tricky match, too, given the 24-year-old has beaten him in both previous meetings in their careers.
O’Sullivan has spoken openly about his preference for playing in Asia, where he feels the crowds are more enthusiastic and he is enjoying himself in Nanjing. “Best tournaments in the world, the fans are amazing, we’re supported really well, you only have to look at this venue, how great it is, the facilities, it’s beautiful,” he said.
“We’re happy to be here, all the players love being here, we’re treated very well. So it’s a pleasure for all of us to come here and play in China for all of the events – you really make us feel special, which is all the snooker players ask for. Well we don’t even ask for that, but you offer your wonderful hospitality which is gratefully appreciated.”
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