Ronnie O’Sullivan’s frustrating run of results continued as he lost 4-3 to world number 110 Ka Wai Cheung in the opening round of the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.
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Playing in a UK tournament for the first time this season, O’Sullivan looked short of confidence as he let slip a 3-1 lead. The seven-time World Champion has played in four events in China this term and reached the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open, but then suffered a first round defeat against Jiang Jun at the Shenzhen Open.
O’Sullivan has spoken of his poor form as a “disease” for which he is yet to find a cure. Though he scored heavily today when he had chances, the 50-year-old also made unexpected errors which allowed his underdog opponent to pull off the best result of his career.
Hong Kong’s Cheung, age 27, was relegated from the tour at the end of last season but regained his card via Q School and now hopes to prove his ability on the big stage. He is through to the last 32 of a ranking event for the second time and will meet Stuart Bingham or Yao Pengcheng next.
Cheung got the better of a scrappy opening frame before O’Sullivan compiled breaks of 56, 138 and 72 to go 3-1 ahead. He had a scoring chance in frame five but made just 16 before missing a red to a top corner and Cheung took advantage with a run of 88, then made a 77 in the next for 3-3. In the decider, O’Sullivan was on 6 when he overcut a short range blue to a centre pocket, and Cheung kept his cool in an excellent break of 60 which proved enough.
“It’s the best moment for me on the snooker tour,” said Cheung. “I played here last year, this arena is amazing, so to beat Ronnie here, I’m very happy. In the last frame I was nervous but for the whole match my safety and long game were not as good as Ronnie’s, but sometimes he was unlucky not to get on a colour, and then I had chances.
“To be honest I am a little bit scared of playing him because he has a lot of fans in the arena. My coach David (Roe) said no matter if I win or lose, I should just get the best experience. David has a lot of experience and always helps me on the table and on the mental side. My goal is to get into the top 64. I just look forward to playing every game and enjoying every moment.”
Some images
Here are the scores for that match:
And videos shared on youtube:
I’m disappointed, of course I am, and what worries me is that he started well, scored heavily, he built 3-1 and then couldn’t kill the match. But I like Cheung Ka Wai as well and I’m pleased for him. I hope he goes deep in the tournament. To be fair Cheung played really well. Neal Foulds in commentary was full of praise, both for the ability he showed but also, and maybe even more, for his positive shots selection during the whole match.
What worries me most is that Ronnie doesn’t look well. He doesn’t look fit nor physically nor mentally. When you age, it gets harder to stay slim and fit, especially if you have been overweight as a young person, as Ronnie was. But it’s not great to say the least.
That said, at no point during the match did Ronnie look disinterested and that’s important. I watched Trump’s match too and repeatedly Ronnie was visible sitting in his chair, and applauding Cheung’s good shots. He was following what happened at the table closely.
14 thoughts on “The 2026 Northern Ireland Open – Ronnie loses in the last 32 … again”
In my opinion, Ronnie’s main problem at the moment is psychological, which may well be related to his move to a place where, being away from his children, friends, and familiar surroundings, he is unlikely to feel entirely comfortable.
Furthermore, I believe that regular consultations with Dr. Peters would be particularly beneficial to him right now.
As for everything else, I don’t think Ronnie has any serious problems with either motivation or technical ability.
I am 82 years old and still working, despite facing several serious health challenges, including cancer. So I believe that, at the age of 72, many people can still remain quite active and professionally capable.
I think it would be particularly beneficial for Ronnie to consult Dr. Peters, given their nearly 15-year professional relationship and Dr. Peters’ deep understanding of Ronnie’s personality and psychological needs.
However, if Dr. Peters is no longer in a position to provide such support, whether for health reasons or other personal circumstances (although I have found no mention of his retirement on Wikipedia), it would certainly be worth considering another highly qualified sports psychologist.
Above all, I sincerely hope that Ronnie can find the psychological support he needs to regain his confidence and peace of mind. It would be a great relief not only for him, but also for all of us who admire him and genuinely care about his well-being.
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Congratulations to you. I’m 71 (going 72 in December) and I’m still quite active. I go running 2 kms every day, except in winter, not because of the cold but because of packs of famished stray dogs roaming in the fields (and raiding the villages at night, killing chicken and stray cats … nobody goes out unless absolutely necessary.
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Like usual. He looks good at times but then goes downhill out of nowhere and his game falls apart. Exact same scenario we also saw against Higgins at the World Championship. 9:4 up, looks good in the balls and then he misses sitter after sitter and eventually loses. This has been the story of the last 2-3 years.
Going into the event I thought that perhaps these Bo7 matches would suit Ronnie these days, since he seems to start well but then get tired in the longer matches. But apparently even Bo7 is too much for him now. Maybe the Championship League would be the best fit…
Maybe, but let’s wait and see. He’s been there before and he has come back from it, but of course, he was younger. What I wish to remind all his fans – and I’m one of them – is that, ultimately, it should be his decision, and his only, wether he still wants to play, or if he wants to hang his cue for good, or something in-between. I find this hard to watch, don’t get me wrong, but I’m also grateful for all the great moments he offered me over so many years. I just want the best for him and those dear to him, and that’s the only thing that matters.
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Lol, that was more my opinion about the Championship League. 😀 But seriously, obviously it’s up to him to decide when to quit, but sometimes I worry that he tarnishes his legacy with these performances.
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I don’t think that will happen. Both Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry were awful towards the end of their careers but it’s not what people remember nowadays.
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At 3-1 I started hoping that a miracle might happen and Ronnie can win this match, but unfortunately usual service resumed. And yes, it’s bad to see him, does he still do running? And I don’t know if it’s frustration, or what, but he looks bored and uninterested and it’s just better he is out, because it’s not good to watch so much misery at the table.
In my opinion, Ronnie’s main problem at the moment is psychological, which may well be related to his move to a place where, being away from his children, friends, and familiar surroundings, he is unlikely to feel entirely comfortable.
Furthermore, I believe that regular consultations with Dr. Peters would be particularly beneficial to him right now.
As for everything else, I don’t think Ronnie has any serious problems with either motivation or technical ability.
And thank you very much, Madame Monique.
Steve Peters is now 73 years old and, I believe, retired. So that’s no more an option I’m afraid.
I am 82 years old and still working, despite facing several serious health challenges, including cancer. So I believe that, at the age of 72, many people can still remain quite active and professionally capable.
I think it would be particularly beneficial for Ronnie to consult Dr. Peters, given their nearly 15-year professional relationship and Dr. Peters’ deep understanding of Ronnie’s personality and psychological needs.
However, if Dr. Peters is no longer in a position to provide such support, whether for health reasons or other personal circumstances (although I have found no mention of his retirement on Wikipedia), it would certainly be worth considering another highly qualified sports psychologist.
Above all, I sincerely hope that Ronnie can find the psychological support he needs to regain his confidence and peace of mind. It would be a great relief not only for him, but also for all of us who admire him and genuinely care about his well-being.
Congratulations to you. I’m 71 (going 72 in December) and I’m still quite active. I go running 2 kms every day, except in winter, not because of the cold but because of packs of famished stray dogs roaming in the fields (and raiding the villages at night, killing chicken and stray cats … nobody goes out unless absolutely necessary.
Like usual. He looks good at times but then goes downhill out of nowhere and his game falls apart. Exact same scenario we also saw against Higgins at the World Championship. 9:4 up, looks good in the balls and then he misses sitter after sitter and eventually loses. This has been the story of the last 2-3 years.
Frustrating to watch as a fan.
ahahahaha ffs give up man
Nasty as alway he Santino? Why don’t you just go and “support” someone else?
Going into the event I thought that perhaps these Bo7 matches would suit Ronnie these days, since he seems to start well but then get tired in the longer matches. But apparently even Bo7 is too much for him now. Maybe the Championship League would be the best fit…
But really, if Ronnie’s best chance is Championship League, then it’s more than time to call it a day. 😥
Maybe, but let’s wait and see. He’s been there before and he has come back from it, but of course, he was younger. What I wish to remind all his fans – and I’m one of them – is that, ultimately, it should be his decision, and his only, wether he still wants to play, or if he wants to hang his cue for good, or something in-between. I find this hard to watch, don’t get me wrong, but I’m also grateful for all the great moments he offered me over so many years. I just want the best for him and those dear to him, and that’s the only thing that matters.
Lol, that was more my opinion about the Championship League. 😀 But seriously, obviously it’s up to him to decide when to quit, but sometimes I worry that he tarnishes his legacy with these performances.
I don’t think that will happen. Both Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry were awful towards the end of their careers but it’s not what people remember nowadays.
At 3-1 I started hoping that a miracle might happen and Ronnie can win this match, but unfortunately usual service resumed. And yes, it’s bad to see him, does he still do running? And I don’t know if it’s frustration, or what, but he looks bored and uninterested and it’s just better he is out, because it’s not good to watch so much misery at the table.
I think he’s more frustrated and dispirited than bored or uninterested. But either way, it’s sad and hard to watch.