Hunter sinks O'Sullivan

Paul Hunter held his nerve to claim a thrilling victory over world number one Ronnie O’Sullivan in the British Open at Telford tonight.

Paul Hunter held his nerve to claim a thrilling victory over world number one Ronnie O’Sullivan in the British Open at Telford.

Hunter made a break of 52 in the decider to edge O’Sullivan 5-4 and claim a quarter-final place.

The world number nine fought with O’Sullivan all the way through a pulsating contest, which started with a break of 114 from the ‘Rocket’, his 300th century in competition.

Only Stephen Hendry, with almost 600, has made more tons and O’Sullivan provided further evidence of his scoring prowess when he made another century, 134, in the fourth frame, which could have been a tournament best 141 had he not missed a tricky final black.

But Hunter, the reigning Regal Welsh Open and Benson and Hedges Masters champion, refused to be cowed and fired in efforts of 69, 68 and 98 to lead 4-3 before missing a plant in the eighth frame, from which O’Sullivan cleared up to the black with 45.

O’Sullivan failed to carry the momentum into the decider and Hunter’s 52 was eventually sufficient to send the crowd favourite packing.

“I’m not disappointed to be honest,” a downcast O’Sullivan said. “I’m happy I got beaten because I half expected it.

“I’m not going to say I’ll quit the game but I’m not really bothered any more. I’ll just keep turning up and try to enjoy it as much as it can.

“I’ve got no confidence at the moment but that’s the way it goes.”

Hunter, who now plays Anthony Hamilton for a place in the semi-finals, was understandably more upbeat.

“It was a great match,” he said. “He made two centuries but I didn’t do a lot wrong and the standard lasted the whole match.

“I started off the underdog so didn’t feel as much pressure as I might have. Most of the crowd were on his side and if you can’t get yourself up for playing Ronnie you shouldn’t be out there.”