Snooker: O'Sullivan's untimely break
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 has broken the little finger on his right hand on the eve of his first appearance in this year's Liverpool Victoria Charity Challenge.
The world No 3, due to meet Alan McManus or Dennis Taylor tomorrow, tripped and fell, sustaining the injury. However, O'Sullivan, who has already missed two events this year because of health problems, insists he will be able to compete in the best-of-nine frame quarter-final at Derby's Assembly Rooms.
"It's not as bad as I'd feared and it will heal itself with time," said the 23-year-old. "I was in a hurry and I fell on the finger. I was worried I wouldn't be able to play but I took a few pain-killers and I'm OK now. It was just a stupid thing that happened. It certainly stops me playing left-handed, which I've been doing lately."
O'Sullivan is a former winner of the Charity Challenge title and finished runner-up in 1996 when Stephen Hendry made a 147 break in the deciding frame.
On the table yesterday, Steve Davis became the first winner in the 1999 event, beating Peter Ebdon 5-3. Davis now meets John Higgins, the world champion and world No 1, for a place in the semi-finals of the event.
"It's nice to bounce back after playing so badly in Scotland last week," said the 41-year-old six-times former world champion, who lost in the first round in Aberdeen against Darren Clarke.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments