RONNIE O’Sullivan’s match against Mink Nuthcarut at the International Championship had to be delayed ‘for safety reasons.’
The Rocket beat the women’s world No1 6-3 in Nanjing, which included a stunning break of 132 in one frame.
However, the match was halted for nearly an hour.
O’Sullivan usually draws huge crowds wherever he plays, and that meant fans flooded the South New City National Fitness Center to see their hero in action.
Incredibly, the match on the main table in the morning session had to be cut short for the showpiece event.
World Snooker Tour shared on social media: “Due to the amount of spectators, for safety reasons the afternoon session has been delayed until 2:50pm.”
Once the game got underway, Eurosport commentator David Hendon revealed: “It actually started nearly an hour late because there was such a lot of people to get in, the previous session had to be curtailed. They had to get everybody in, it took a while.”
Before O’Sullivan and Mink took to the table, defending champion Zhang Anda was up against Ishpreet Singh Chadha.
Zhang led 5-4, until they were asked to leave the table and make way for the main event.
The International Championship moved to Nanjing this year for the first time.
And Jiangsu city clearly has plenty of snooker fans, because it wasn’t just O’Sullivan who drew in a huge crowd.
Over on table two, there were plenty in watching world champion Kyren Wilson thrash Mitchell Mann 6-0.
Many thought O’Sullivan, who has been struggling for form, would beat Mink with ease.
However, after winning the first frame – she was full of confidence and made it tough for O’Sullivan at one stage as he led 4-3.
However, the seven-time world champion won the last two frames with breaks of 69 and 132 to seal victory.
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN’S snooker career almost went up in smoke after buying “too much weed and Smirnoff.”
Ronnie has long linked his performances on the baize with the ups and down in his diet and exercise regime.
The Rocket he has suffered a lifetime of yo-yoing weight, addiction and mental health struggles, and an often unhealthy relationship with food and fitness.
O’Sullivan ballooned to 16st on vodka and takeaways as a troubled teen, while “puffing like a maniac”.
Then, after turning his life around, he even saw his form decline after doing to TOO MUCH exercise.
Now right back to his best, the seven-time world champion has opened up on his struggles.
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After the game, O’Sullivan praised locals for their interest.
He said: “Best tournaments in the world, the fans are amazing, we’re supported really well, you only have to look at this venue, how great it is, the facilities, it’s beautiful.
“We’re happy to be here, all the players love being here, we’re treated very well. So it’s a pleasure for all of us to come here and play in China for all of the events, you really make us feel special, which is all the snooker players ask for. Well we don’t even ask for that, but you offer your wonderful hospitality which is gratefully appreciated.”
