Ronnie O'Sullivan plays on in frame despite needing 20 snookers in International Championship semi-final
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Updated 11/11/2023 at 11:15 GMT
Ronnie O’Sullivan heads into the second session of his International Championship semi-final against Zhang Anda level at 4-4 after a tricky start. In the fifth frame, the world No. 1 played on despite all but conceding to get some practise in, after Zhang had dominated large parts of the first session. “It’s concerning for O’Sullivan fans at the moment,” said Alan McManus.
'Not feeling comfortable out there' - O'Sullivan returns to table despite needing 20 snookers
Ronnie O’Sullivan made the unusual decision to play on in the fifth frame of his International Championship semi-final match against Zhang Anda - despite needing 20 snookers.
With the seven-time world champion staring down a 3-2 deficit, he elected to stick to the table for some practise time after watching his Chinese counterpart gain the edge the opening exchanges.
"It's a good sign, but in another way it kind of isn't. OK, you want to keep your arm going and all that, but there will be a reason for it," said Alan McManus on Eurosport commentary.
"Something to do with not feeling comfortable out there for whatever reason. It’s concerning for O’Sullivan fans at the moment because I have to be honest, he hasn’t shown up yet.
"Apart from a stunning long red from the cue ball in hand at the tail end of frame four, and completing the clearance in fine style. Apart from that, there has not been an awful lot to be enthused about."
Frustratingly for O'Sullivan, he missed immediately but was happy to return to the table moments later as Zhang played safe. Soon, he accepted his fate.
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'Just fractions' - O'Sullivan makes four fouls in fifth frame of semi-final clash with Zhang
After the first session, O’Sullivan and Zhang are locked in a 4-4, a 99 break saving the world No. 1’s blushes to remarkably finish level after a rocky start to proceedings for the 47-year-old.
Zhang had led the off-form Englishman twice in the opening three frames, with a break of 133 getting the ball rolling for the home favourite.
O’Sullivan clawed a frame back to level the match at 2-2 but continued to struggle in the fifth where he made four consecutive fouls on a tricky long red escape.
The world No. 1 was persistent he could make the shot - which he eventually did on the fifth attempt - to keep himself in contention for the frame and the lead for the first time in the match.
A tactical affair followed between the pair, which Zhang took control of with a clever red to make up a clearance of 46, leaving just 35 points on the table and O'Sullivan 75 behind.
“He hasn’t been completely dominated, nothing like that, but he’s had to pinch frames near the death, so Zhang Anda’s in control,” McManus said as Zhang rattled the jaws with the black to conclude his fifth-frame winning flurry.
O’Sullivan then stepped up to the table to get a taste of the action despite having already lost the frame.
“Well, again, O’Sullivan is going to pot some balls, because he’s not really been doing that, he’s been stop-start,” David Hendon said as the Rocket approached the table. “Well he’s going to try, but he’s missed immediately.”
The pair return to the table for the second session and a spot in Sunday's final at 11:30 UK time, live on Eurosport.
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