Ronnie O’Sullivan knocked out of English Open by Martin Gould

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s question for a second English Open title is over, after he was stunned 4-1 by Martin Gould. The reigning world champion was the favourite for the match, and for the overall tournament, but a polished display by his opponent put play to those predictions.

Gould came back from 2-0 down to beat Gary Wilson in the previous match to set up this clash, and he showed that same composure and fighting form to beat the seven-time world champion.

The first frame was likely key in deciding the outcome of the match. It was first chance Gould – he potted a great long red and pink, but couldn’t make any more. O’Sullivan swiftly established a 55-point lead, and was faced with a tough cut to secure the frame after he lost the cue ball. There were two reds on the cushions that were the major obstacles for Gould, but he did well to deal with them both. O’Sullivan had more chances to close out, but it was Gould who did do, stealing a frame he had no right to win with a combination of great snooker and tactical play.

It wasn’t long before Gould put his second frame on the board, with a break of 60 putting him 2-0 ahead. Gould potted the white at the start of frame three – that was all the chance O’Sullivan needed to make 78 and reduce the arrears to one. Gould made a solid break of 57 to build a strong lead in frame four, and good safety play gave O’Sullivan an opportunity. He didn’t capitalise and, after potting the final red by accident, he smashed the blue off the table in frustration.

There would be one frame left, and a break of 61 put Gould one step from victory – O’Sullivan needed two snookers, with the three remaining reds all tight to the black cushion. He developed a ball and left it to the left corner – when Gould potted it, that was match over.

I’m never one for ifs and buts, the ball landed where it landed, but another day I get through there

– Ronnie O’Sullivan

After the match, Gould said: “I enjoyed it. I felt a lot more comfortable than I did when I played him before. It’s all about getting a good start which I managed to do. He missed a couple you don’t normally expect Ronnie to miss. I was pleased to clear up, and that did settle me down.

“I’ve been enjoying it, I’ve had to manage a couple of things away from the game. I’ve injured my knee, I have to have injections in it. Sometimes I can’t even walk. I am limited to a couple of hours of practice, but it’s not been great, but it’s my own fault for falling over. I wasn’t drunk either! I don’t drink, I haven’t touched a drop in about 18 months, it’s just old age.”

O’Sullivan said: “He played great, he played too good for me. Nothing I could do today. I’m gutted. I was really enjoying it.

“But that’s the way it goes sometimes. You can’t win them all and I just enjoy playing. I’ve loved playing this week, I’ve enjoyed every game and enjoyed it out there.”

“I had a few chances… if I was to sit back and watch that, a little inch on that cue ball in the first frame when I was on a 60-odd [break], I ‘Chinesed’ myself.

“I’m never one for ifs and buts, the ball landed where it landed, but another day I get through there, could win tonight, could be sitting here Sunday the champion of the English Open. It’s just fine margins.”

Gould will play in the fourth round on Thursday, where he faces either Pang Junxu or Ashley Hugill. If he wins, he will be one step closer to his second ranking title – the first was courtesy of a 9-5 win over Luca Brecel in the 2016 German Masters.