Ronnie O'Sullivan lost 4-3 to Hong Kong qualifier Ka Wai Cheung in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast, surrendering a 3-1 lead as Cheung took the final three frames.
The seven-time world champion was playing at the event for the first time since 2022. After Cheung won the opening frame, O'Sullivan made breaks of 56, 138 and 72 to move ahead, but could not close out the match.
Cheung, ranked 110th in the world, secured his first main-draw knockout win at a ranking event. He will face Stuart Bingham for a place in the last 16.
Judd Trump also went out in a deciding frame, losing 4-3 to Martin O'Donnell. O'Donnell led three times before Trump drew level, then won the final frame for his first victory over the former world champion.
Please note! Comments are published by readers. The opinions expressed may not reflect the position of the editorial team. NYCT is not responsible for the content of readers' opinions and asks authors to observe moral standards, not to incite national or racial hatred, and to avoid rudeness. Think before you speak. You are responsible for your words! By publishing an opinion, you agree to the rules! If this request is ignored, NYCT reserves the right to deprive the user of the ability to leave comments.