Ronnie O'Sullivan picks his Masters winner after being dumped out in quarter-finals
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN was perhaps the favourite to win the Masters, but the snooker icon was defeated in the quarter-finals by Neil Robertson.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan hopes Neil Robertson goes on to win the Masters after the legend was knocked out of the tournament by the Australian. O’Sullivan was hoping to win his eighth Masters title, but he was defeated 6-4 by the 2012 Masters champion in an entertaining quarter-final at Alexandra Palace.
Robertson impressed with three half centuries and mesmerising breaks of 119 and 130 to book a semi-final clash with either John Higgins or Mark Williams.
Upon reflection of his performance, O’Sullivan insisted Robertson deserved to win.
“It wasn’t great,” the 46-year-old told the BBC after his exit.
“He missed some balls, so did I.
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“There were too many mistakes really. I was trying to make it as competitive as possible and give the crowd a game, give Neil a game, try to do anything I could to get back in it.
“But Neil was the better player today.
“Hopefully he goes on and wins it, I like Neil, he’s a good guy.”
In stark contrast, Robertson was thrilled with his showing against the six-time world champion as he prepares for a crucial semi-final.
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“I hit the ball fantastically well,” Robertson said.
“Of course, I missed a couple of balls and so did Ronnie but that’s to be expected, there was a lot at stake out there.
“I was really determined to put in a good performance and I think I did that.
“It was a big improvement from my previous game so hopefully I can take another step forward in the semi-final.
“Every player here is determined to win the Masters and I’m as hungry as anyone to get my hands on the trophy."
In the other half of the draw, Judd Trump faces Kyren Wilson and Barry Hawkins takes on Mark Selby.
O’Sullivan won the Grand Prix title in December as he conquered Robertson in the final.
It was the 46-year-old’s first title since winning the 2020 World Championship, extinguishing any idea that his silverware-winning days were behind him.
O’Sullivan came into the Masters as one of the clear favourites, and his defeat will undoubtedly come as a blow.