In a gripping last-16 clash, Vafaei sets up a quarter-final showdown with Ding Jinhui
In an unexpected turn of events, Hossein Vafaei defeated the world number one, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and ousted him from the World Open, marking a major upset in the tournament held in China. The match, filled with suspense and extraordinary skill, ended with Vafaei advancing to the quarter-finals after a nail-biting 5-4 victory.
The battle between the two titans went down to the wire. O’Sullivan, known for his exceptional talent and holding the title of world number one, pushed the match to a deciding frame with a spectacular break of 125 in the eighth frame, drawing the score to 4-4 in Yushan. The tension in the air was palpable as fans anticipated the final showdown.
However, in a thrilling climax to the match, O’Sullivan’s fortunes turned as he missed a crucial black ball, paving the way for Vafaei to seize the moment. The Iranian snooker player made a remarkable comeback to the table, securing his win and setting up a highly anticipated quarter-final match against Ding Jinhui.
After Vafaei defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan, he was overwhelmed with emotion and expressed his admiration for O’Sullivan, stating, “He’s my hero. Just playing against O’Sullivan is a dream come true, never mind winning.” This victory not only advances him in the tournament but also marks a significant milestone in his career.
Elsewhere in the World Open, the 2019 champion, Judd Trump, is set to face Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals after a convincing 5-3 victory over David Lilley. Trump, the world number two, is on the hunt for his fifth title of the season, eyeing the upcoming World Championships in Sheffield with high ambitions.
The tournament also witnessed Stephen Maguire’s struggle to replicate his previous round’s performance against the reigning world champion, Luca Brecel, as he succumbed to a 5-1 defeat against Barry Hawkins. Hawkins now looks forward to his quarter-final clash with Neil Robertson, who secured his spot with a 5-1 victory against Chris Wakelin.
Additionally, Jackson Page earned his quarter-final berth with a 5-2 win against Mark Selby and will now face Elliot Slessor, who triumphed over Daniel Wells in the last 16.
The World Open continues to deliver unexpected twists and exhilarating matches, promising more snooker action as it progresses to the quarter-finals.
