Written Off and Fired Up: Ronnie O’Sullivan Stuns Kyren Wilson in Saudi Showdown
Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted that being written off before his Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters quarter-final against Kyren Wilson gave him an extra push to produce a memorable victory. The seven-time world champion, who will turn 50 soon, stunned the reigning Crucible champion with a determined performance that defied the age gap and expectations.
O’Sullivan, who now advances to face Chris Wakelin in Friday evening’s semi-final, described the win as one of his most satisfying in recent times. “I feel like I’ve achieved an amazing result,” he said. “I’m nearly 50, playing against Kyren, who’s 33, right in his prime, and arguably the best player in the world at the moment. For me, that’s something to be over the moon about.”
The clash on Thursday night lived up to the billing, with both players producing high-quality snooker in a tense battle. Wilson, last year’s world champion, came in as the heavy favourite, but O’Sullivan’s mix of experience, tactical nous, and trademark flair proved decisive.
O’Sullivan revealed that his motivation was sharpened by the perception that Wilson would win comfortably. “I’m enjoying playing at the moment,” he said. “I didn’t expect to win. My goal was just to give him a decent game and make him work for it. But I think being written off made me try a bit harder.”
The victory adds another chapter to O’Sullivan’s storied career, showing that even against younger, in-form opponents, he still has the ability to compete at the very top level. With the semi-final looming, the snooker legend’s form and mindset suggest he will be a formidable opponent for Wakelin, as he continues to prove that age is no barrier when skill, determination, and passion are in full flow.
