Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Championship League following a 3-2 defeat to Robert Milkins at the Mattioli Arena.
The seven-time world champion reportedly threw his cue in the bin at the players’ lounge after the match, though it was later retrieved by his manager, Robbie.
“He certainly imploded during that opening game,” said the commentator. “He was absolutely furious with nothing but himself, just the way he was playing, things weren’t going right.”
“He clearly didn’t want to be here and he’s taken the decision to withdraw,” the commentator added.
Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the Championship League following a 3-2 defeat to Robert Milkins at the Mattioli Arena
GETTY
During the opening frame against Milkins, O’Sullivan appeared to be in control with a 51-0 lead.
However, he missed a straightforward blue into the right middle pocket, allowing Milkins to clear up and claim the frame.
O’Sullivan’s response to the miss was unusual, as he performed what was described as an “interpretative dance”, which included spraying his legs and sticking out his tongue.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan was outplayed by Robert Milkins during their Champions League clash
PA
It has been suggested that O’Sullivan’s cue sustained damage after he struck it against the table during the match.
O’Sullivan’s frustration became increasingly visible as the match progressed, with the 49-year-old twice striking the table with his cue.
In the fourth frame, after missing a routine pink, he gave the side of the table a sharp rap.
O’Sullivan immediately apologised to both the referee and his opponent Milkins for his behaviour.
His temper flared again in the deciding frame when, trailing 28-9, he accidentally potted the cue ball.
O’Sullivan’s withdrawal from the tournament had significant implications for the competition standings.
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Today Ronnie O’Sullivan is mad at himself again ! 😠😡
And the snooker table finally got hit by him ! The cue didn’t break 🙂 pic.twitter.com/hHPdwIlk5a— Snooker (@SnookerSuper) January 9, 2025
All matches involving O’Sullivan at the Mattioli Arena were declared void.
This meant Milkins lost the point he had earned from defeating O’Sullivan, dropping his total back to zero.
The only player to benefit from O’Sullivan’s exit was Jak Jones, who had lost to the Rocket on Wednesday.
His scheduled match against Ali Carter did not take place following his withdrawal.