Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has been eliminated from the Shanghai Masters after suffering a 6-4 defeat to defending champion Kyren Wilson in the second round.
Wilson made a strong start, producing breaks of 113 and 91 to take a 3-1 lead against the 50-year-old snooker legend. However, O’Sullivan responded in style, making three consecutive century breaks of 100, 111 and 131 to move ahead 4-3 in a thrilling contest.
The 2024 world champion then regained control, firing in breaks of 89, 79 and 97 to win three frames in a row and seal victory.
Wilson will now face Mark Williams in the quarter-finals after Williams defeated Chris Wakelin 6-5.
“It is always great playing in Shanghai and against someone of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s class,” Wilson said. “The crowd always comes out in numbers when he plays. It inspires me and makes me want to play snooker.”
Wilson also revealed the emotional challenges he has faced after his home was burgled in June while he was competing in Leicester.
“It has been really tough off the table, not just for me but for the whole family. That is life — you have to move on and deal with it,” he added.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Xiao Guodong produced a maximum 147 break against Neil Robertson but still lost 6-5 after Robertson fought back from 5-2 down to win the final four frames.
Judd Trump also progressed to the quarter-finals with a 6-4 victory over Barry Hawkins.
