(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Ronnie O’Sullivan Stages Thrilling Comeback to Reach Saudi Arabia Masters Quarter-Finals
Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters – Last 16 Recap
Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan produced a stunning comeback from 5-2 down to beat surprise star Chang Bingyu 6-5, setting up a tantalizing quarter-final clash with Kyren Wilson.
World number 104 Chang, appearing in the last 16 of a ranking event for the first time, looked on course for a sensational upset after establishing a 5-2 lead. However, O’Sullivan, the seven-time World Champion, found another gear and dominated the final frames, keeping alive his quest for a first title in 17 months.
Breaks of 57, 68, 80, 64, and 66 had helped 23-year-old Chang build his advantage, while O’Sullivan had won only two frames with runs of 84 and 85. The 49-year-old then made a 103 in frame eight and claimed frame nine convincingly to reduce the deficit to 5-4.
Chang missed a crucial opportunity in the tenth frame, allowing O’Sullivan to take control and level the match at 5-5 with a remarkable clearance. He then sealed the decider with a 125 break, completing one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament.
“I realised I had taken this game for granted before,” O’Sullivan said. “Tonight I got my confidence and swagger back in spells. That’s what made me win so much before.”
Quarter-Final Preview: O’Sullivan vs Wilson
World number two Kyren Wilson also advanced with a 6-3 victory over Si Jiahui, extending his unbeaten run this season to seven matches. Wilson, the 2024 World Champion, recently defeated O’Sullivan in the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals and has won the last three meetings between the pair, adding intrigue to their upcoming clash.
Other Last 16 Highlights
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Chris Wakelin edged out Zhao Xintong 6-5, bouncing back after losing four consecutive frames. Wakelin, ranked world number 16, aims to cement his top-16 status with a deep run this week.
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Barry Hawkins also staged a remarkable fight-back, recovering from 5-3 down to defeat Ding Junhui 6-5, including breaks of 99 and 84. The Londoner, runner-up at the UK Championship and German Masters last season, will meet Wakelin in the quarter-finals.
The Saudi Arabia Masters is shaping up for a thrilling second week, with O’Sullivan, Wilson, Hawkins, and Wakelin all in prime form for a chance at snooker glory.
