Jimmy White was left astonished by Ronnie O’Sullivan ’s whitewash 6-0 defeat by Chinese professional Ding Junhui in the UK Championship quarter-final.
The Rocket is currently world number one after winning both the Hong Kong Masters and Champion of Champions events this season. However, the star was stunned by Ding who was in formidable form during the last four frames scoring breaks of 88, 94, 87 and 131.
O'Sullivan wasn't surprised by the upset after previously bemoaning his form, despite winning his opening two matches of the tournament.
“Ronnie kept saying he was playing bad, but we did not see it,” White told Eurosport. “But he showed it today, he did play bad."
It was the first time that O'Sullivan had been beaten by a whitewash score at a triple crown event. The Rocket had previously raised doubts over his future in the sport by admitting he no longer enjoyed playing.
“Let's be honest he hasn't been in here practicing,” White, who was beaten in six world snooker championship finals, added.
“He won his last two matches and before he was. In his interviews he's saying like, he's not feeling it, and he's not blah blah blah and these things do catch up with you now and again."
Seven-time world champion O'Sullivan admitted to feeling a 'little flat' during the defeat and missed the black in an early frame. However, the sporting great took nothing away from his opponent who he is tipping to win the tournament.
O'Sullivan told Eurosport : "He played well. He played brilliantly well.
"I hope he goes onto win it now. He just proved what a fantastic player he is. I'm not surprised. I've had a good run, I can't complain. I've got a bit of time off now."
Will Ronnie O'Sullivan win an eighth world snooker championship next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section
White was also full of compliments to Ding, who is the most successful Asian player in the sport with three UK Championships wins to his name. The 35-year-old showed his ruthless nature against O'Sullivan in his bid to win a first major championship for three years.
“It has to be said, the first couple of frames he (O’Sullivan) missed a black off the spot and it could have been a different story,” White added.
“But to be fair, Ding showed what a class act he is. Once he got his opponent in trouble he got stronger and stronger and won frames in one visit. On that performance, Ding has every chance of winning the tournament."
