Ronnie O’Sullivan crashes OUT of World Open Snooker to nemesis he’s been feuding with for years

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has crashed out of the World Open at the hands of nemesis Hossein Vafaei.

The Rocket missed a crucial black to win the match in the final frame as Vafaei sealed his place in the quarter-final.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has crashed out of the World OpenGetty

PAHossein Vafaei held his nerve to seal his quarter-final place[/caption]

O’Sullivan found himself trailing 4-3 but hit back with a brilliant century to ensure the match went down to the final frame.

It was a tense affair as both players had turns at the tables to build breaks, but neither player built an unassailable lead.

A mis-shot from O’Sullivan when he was 27 ahead with 29 remaining meant he had to play safe before the pair exchanged snookers.

O’Sullivan then set up a chance to win the match after he pocketed a brilliant red, but then missed a much simpler black.

Vafaei was then presented with the opportunity to clear the table and he made no mistake, holding his nerve on the colours to seal victory but just a point.

It is a win which will feel even sweeter for Vafaei as he has been involved in a long-running feud with O’Sullivan.

They first clashed in 2022 when Vafaei accused O’Sullivan of lacking respect and suggested he ought to retire to allow younger players more opportunities.

The Rocket later labelled the Iranian as “pathetic” following his “disrespectful” break-off shot at the World Snooker Championships last year.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.