The five-time World Champion was defeated by amateur qualifier James Cahill
Five-time World Snooker Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has suffered a shock first-round exit at the World Championships in Sheffield.
Facing amateur debutant James Cahill, O'Sullivan went down 10-8 after a tense final session in the Crucible.
Suffering a second-round exit at the hands of Ali Carter in 2018, this first-round exit marks O'Sullivan's worst performance in the tournament for 16-years.
'The biggest upset in the history of the World Championship!'
Amateur debutant @JamesCahill147 has knocked out the GOAT @ronnieo147 in the first round at the Crucible! pic.twitter.com/Xp9mhHPdfB— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 23, 2019
Here's the moment @JamesCahill147 secured the biggest win of his career! 🙌#ilovesnooker @Betfred pic.twitter.com/FWjeyOeSM0
— World Snooker Tour (@WeAreWST) April 23, 2019
Trailing 5-4 going into this morning's opening session, an admittedly tired looking O'Sullivan slipped further as Cahill established an 8-5 lead.
Ominously for the young snooker player without even a world ranking number, however, Ronnie O'Sullivan rallied well and restored parity at 8-8.
From there, it only looked to be going one way. Yet, as O'Sullivan missed the opportunity to take a 9-8 lead with what appeared a fairly routine pot of the pink, Cahill demonstrated incredible resolve to make one of the clears of the match.
'That is what pressure does, folks' 😰@JamesCahill147 is now just one frame away from a MASSIVE shock at the Crucible that would send @ronnieo147 home after the first round#ilovesnooker pic.twitter.com/r6TvWrjkh9
— Eurosport (@eurosport) April 23, 2019
MASSIVE FRAME.@JamesCahill147 is one frame away from knocking out the World No.1!#ilovesnooker @Betfred pic.twitter.com/w0E4bOLzwl
— World Snooker Tour (@WeAreWST) April 23, 2019
An incredible result for the young man making his first appearance at the World Snooker Championships, O'Sullivan's surprise exit comes on the back of what had been a strong run of form from the world ranking #1.
