O'Sullivan limps to semi-final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ronnie O'Sullivan booked his semi-final place in the Benson and Hedges Masters at the Wembley Conference Centre the hard way, overcoming the pain of an injured foot and the Welshman Darren Morgan.
O'Sullivan, who faces Andy Hicks in the semi-finals this afternoon, had an X-ray on his right foot yesterday. The injury was caused when he accidentally kicked a concrete plant pot. He insisted: "I'll carry on regardless. Nothing will stop me getting to the table because I'm determined to retain this title."
O'Sullivan limped around the table in Thursday's quarter-final against Morgan, making only two half-century breaks in a 6-4 victory. Yet the crowd had plenty to keep them occupied as one unusual incident after another occurred. In the fourth frame, O'Sullivan had to ask the referee John Street for clarification of the rules after potting a red and placing himself in a snooker from which it was impossible to hit a colour. On being informed he still had to nominate, O'Sullivan smashed the reds and let Morgan in for a 53 break to level at 2-2.
In the fifth, Morgan went on to compile a 66 after being forced to stop half-way through the run when a couple of intoxicated spectators were ejected. Then, at the conclusion of the seventh frame, O'Sullivan thought he had done enough to open a 4-3 lead by potting the pink - only to realise after placing his cue on the table that the black was also required.
BENSON AND HEDGES MASTERS (Wembley Conference Centre) Quarter-finals: A McManus (Sco) bt S Davis (Eng) 6-4; R O'Sullivan (Eng) bt D Morgan (Wal) 6-4.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments