Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has pointed to an equipment change as a factor in his surprise exit from the UK Championship in York. The Rocket was beaten 6-4 by China's Zhou Yuelong in their second-round match at the Barbican Centre on Tuesday, December 2nd.
A Deserved Victory for Zhou
The 27-year-old Zhou secured his first-ever victory over the seven-time world champion at the eighth attempt. Despite O'Sullivan firing in breaks of 71, 123, 62, 94, 65, and 56, he was plagued by uncharacteristic errors. The 49-year-old was quick to praise his opponent and admit his own shortcomings in a post-match interview with the BBC.
'Obviously he played better,' O'Sullivan stated. 'I didn't really give him much of a fight. A lot of bad mistakes really, basic ones. He deserved his victory.' He philosophically added, 'Defeat's defeat innit? You've got to just accept it as part and parcel of being a professional sportsman.'
The Tip Trouble Explained
Speaking later in a press conference, O'Sullivan revealed he has been trialling harder cue tips this season, with mixed results. He suggested this impacted his 'touch and feel' during the match against Zhou.
'I've started using harder tips. The one I played in Saudi, the first one, was great and China felt good,' he explained. 'I'm not making excuses, I never make excuses, that's just not me... Maybe I need to go back to something that has a little bit more give.'
He described his overall performance as 'a bit of a ropy performance' but remained positive about his general form, saying, 'I feel like I'm hitting the ball alright. That's the most important thing.'
Future Participation Unclear
Outside of a run to the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters, it has been a quiet season for O'Sullivan. His participation in upcoming events is now in doubt. When asked by the BBC if he would play at the Masters in London this January, he was non-committal.
'I'll have a nice Christmas, enjoy that and see how I feel come January,' was his response. He gave a similarly vague answer in the press conference, stating, 'Hopefully. I'd like to. We'll see.'
For Zhou Yuelong, the win was a major career milestone. 'I think for my career it's one big win!' he said. 'Before I lost many times to Ronnie... He's King in the Barbican! I'm so proud of myself.' He now progresses to the last 16 where he will face Mark Selby, who defeated Lei Peifan 6-2.
