Ronnie O'Sullivan makes 'embarrassing' admission and comes down hard on himself after Xi'an Grand Prix defeat

Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed he finds his defeat to Kyren Wilson 'embarrassing' after losing at the Xi'an Grand Prix

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 25/08/2024

- 13:41

The Rocket was beaten by Kyren Wilson in the semi-finals of the competition on Saturday

Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed he finds his defeat to Kyren Wilson 'embarrassing' after losing at the Xi'an Grand Prix.

The Rocket went into the semi-final clash as the strong favourite to go through to the final given everything he's achieved in his career.


But O'Sullivan was beaten 6-4 by Wilson, the reigning champion, who is now just one victory away from securing glory.

O'Sullivan has admitted he's not been enjoying his snooker of late, with the 48-year-old even starting to use his left hand more as he looks to regain his mojo.

Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed he finds his defeat to Kyren Wilson 'embarrassing' after losing at the Xi'an Grand Prix

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The Rocket, speaking after the defeat, said his performance was 'embarassing' as his hopes of success went up in smoke.

And O'Sullivan even branded himself a 'numpty' while admitting he's concerned about his current form.

“It’s embarrassing. I couldn’t do anything," he said.

"I just kept fighting until the end but it was really bad.

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“Kyren was so much the better player. I did well to get to four frames. I’m amazed to get a frame off him!

"It’s a hard game. When you’re hitting the balls like I am. I’m just spraying it all over the gaff.

“It’s the semi-finals and I played like an absolute numpty – I call myself a numpty now because that’s how bad it was.

“What can you do? You have to keep going, keep grinding away and on to the next one.”

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O'Sullivan won't have too long to bounce back, with the snooker icon due to play at a new tournament in Saudi Arabia next week.

He's hoping that his left-hand game comes more 'reliable', while also saying his right hand is 'completely hopeless'.

“There was no groove at all. It was all just instinct," added the Briton.

“I mean the right hand is completely hopeless at the moment. It has been like that for two years.

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Kyren Wilson

Ronnie O'Sullivan was outplayed by Kyren Wilson at the Xi'an Grand Prix on Saturday

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"It’s non-existent. I don’t even feel like it belongs to my body.

“I have no choice but to play left-handed. I haven’t played left handed for 14-15 years.

“I just started last week because I was so desperate. I had to do something different.

"Maybe in a few months my left hand will be better and more reliable.”

Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan was disappointed by his form after losing to Kyren Wilson at the Xi'an Grand Prix

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Wilson faces Judd Turmp in the final of the Xi'an Grand Prix on Sunday.

Trump cruised to a 6-1 victory over Daniel Wells in his own semi-final clash earlier in the weekend.

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