BREAKING: Chinese Snooker Sensation Hands Ronnie O’Sullivan His Worst Loss in Over 30 Years
In a stunning upset that has rocked the snooker world, 24-year-old Chinese sensation He Guoqiang has defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as the greatest player in snooker history, in the first round of the 2024 English Open. The 4–2 loss is being hailed as O’Sullivan’s worst in over three decades, both for its unexpected nature and the scale of the shift it suggests in the sport’s generational power dynamic.
O’Sullivan, 48, entered the tournament as the reigning World Champion and seven-time world title holder. He is known for his unmatched break-building, creativity, and dominance over the table. Yet, against the composed and clinical He Guoqiang, he appeared sluggish, error-prone, and ultimately outclassed. The young Chinese player, who has been quietly climbing the ranks in recent years, not only won the match but dominated large portions of it with poise that belied his limited experience on snooker’s biggest stages.
A Dream Start for He Guoqiang
The match began with fireworks from He, who came out of the blocks with break-building brilliance. He took the first three frames in commanding style, registering breaks of 78 and 77. His control of the table, shot selection, and calmness under pressure were more reminiscent of a seasoned champion than a rising star. By the time he led 3–0, murmurs were beginning to spread throughout the Brentwood Centre crowd — could this be the night Ronnie fell flat?
While O’Sullivan is known for turning games around in a blink, this time there was no spectacular comeback. Although he managed to claw back two frames with fluent breaks of 56 and 59, it always felt as though He had the edge in composure and confidence. The sixth frame sealed it. He compiled a crucial break of 50 after a rare miss from O’Sullivan, and when the final black dropped, the Chinese player raised his cue in triumph, securing the biggest victory of his career.
O’Sullivan Reacts: “Awful. Embarrassing.”
Following the match, a visibly disappointed Ronnie O’Sullivan did not mince words in his assessment. “That was awful. Embarrassing really,” he said. “I’ve not played that badly in a long time. I’m just not enjoying it at the moment.”
This latest defeat has reignited retirement speculation, with O’Sullivan even hinting at the end of his professional career. “I don’t think I’ll be playing snooker much longer,” he added, sending shockwaves through the fanbase and pundit circles. The Rocket, who turned professional in 1992, has previously expressed discontent with the sport’s demands but has always returned to winning form. Whether this loss marks a turning point remains to be seen.
He Guoqiang: A New Star is Born
While much of the post-match attention centered on O’Sullivan’s defeat, it would be unfair to ignore the real headline — He Guoqiang’s incredible performance. Hailing from China’s growing contingent of snooker talent, He has been making a name for himself on the tour with consistent performances. His victory over O’Sullivan is not just a personal milestone, but a symbolic moment for Chinese snooker, which has been rising steadily for over a decade.
“I just focused on each shot,” He said in his post-match interview. “Ronnie is a legend, and I respect him a lot, but once we’re on the table, I have to treat it like any other match.”
This wasn’t even He’s first victory over O’Sullivan — he defeated him once earlier in the season, albeit in a less prominent setting. But to take him down on English soil, at a televised ranking event, in front of a partisan crowd? That’s a defining moment.
Snooker’s Global Shift
This match also highlights a broader shift in professional snooker. The sport has become increasingly international over the past decade, with China emerging as a powerhouse in terms of both talent and audience engagement. He joins a growing list of elite Chinese players — including Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao, and Zhou Yuelong — who are challenging snooker’s traditional Western dominance.
O’Sullivan himself has spoken about this evolution, previously noting that “the future of snooker is in Asia.” His loss to He Guoqiang may now serve as definitive proof.
What’s Next?
He Guoqiang will face Stephen Maguire in the second round of the English Open, where a win could propel him deep into the tournament and possibly into the title conversation. Given his form, he’s a serious contender.
As for O’Sullivan, all eyes will be on whether he follows through on his retirement hints. Given his mercurial nature, few would be surprised if he took a break and returned reinvigorated. But equally, the sporting world must now prepare for the possibility of life after the Rocket.
Reactions from the Snooker World
Players and commentators were quick to praise He’s composure. Eurosport pundit Alan McManus said, “This kid is the real deal. The way he handled the occasion, the way he controlled the table — it was masterful.” Neil Robertson, who watched from the players’ lounge, remarked on social media, “Snooker’s future is here — He Guoqiang is going to win titles.”
Meanwhile, fans expressed both shock and admiration on social media. One tweet read: “I never thought I’d see the day O’Sullivan looked ordinary. Hats off to He Guoqiang. That was clinical.”
Conclusion
In what will be remembered as a landmark moment in snooker history, He Guoqiang’s triumph over Ronnie O’Sullivan is more than just a shocking result — it’s a statement. It signals the arrival of a new generation, the rise of a new power base in snooker, and perhaps, the beginning of the end of an era.
O’Sullivan may yet return, as he has so many times before, but one thing is clear: He Guoqiang has arrived — and he’s here to stay.
