Ronnie O’Sullivan’s next opponent questioned over ‘insult’ at opponent

Ronnie O'Sullivan explains why he made a 146 in 2016

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s next opponent has already upset the Rocket and was questioned over an ‘insult’ aimed at another player at the World Snooker Championship. With the winner set to play O’Sullivan in the last-16 tie on Friday, Hossein Vafaei led 7-5 in the 13th frame against Ding Junhui when he decided to chase a 147 – putting his lead in the frame at risk.

After potting eight reds and as many blacks the World No 23 ran out of position in his maximum attempt, however, instead of putting the frame to bed Vafaei chose to play an exhibition-style shot to continue his 147 effort. Eurosport expert Neal Foulds was impressed but said the attempt could have been seen as an ‘insult’ to his opponent.

“I can’t believe what I am seeing,” said Foulds on Eurosport. “It is a sensational shot but perhaps unwise with the frame up for grabs. He is trying to pot reds and blacks – I think he has made his intentions very known. Incredible shot.

“Ding might take this as a bit of an insult – if a chance came, he might feel that he could still win this frame if he ever gets back to the table.” Vafaei then missed the following black proving Foulds right and giving Ding an opportunity to get back to the table and into the frame.

However, Ding missed the following red and Vafaei wrapped up the frame to lead 8-5 on his way to a 10-6 victory. O’Sullivan is seeking revenge against Vafaei in their last-16 match on Friday after the Iranian told him to retire during last year’s World Snooker Championships for ‘disrespectful’ comments about his fellow competitors.

O’Sullivan remarked after beating Pang Junxu in his first match: “Has he (Vafaei) been saying much this year? I think he’s learned to be quiet. Don’t rattle my cage! I’m just having fun. I love it when they call me out, I love it when they give me stick.”

Vafaei has never reached the World Snooker Championship last-16 before and sees the match as his opportunity to get revenge on O’Sullivan for comments the pair have exchanged.

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He told the World Snooker Tour: “I love it, honestly, even if he beats me I still love it and to get involved in this match. Get your popcorn everyone and watch this one.

“He was my hero so maybe on the way to beating him I will cry. He was my hero when I was young, but now he is my opponent, but that is life. I have to stand in front of him one day if I want to be world champion.

“Everyone will be surprised, everything happens for a reason, you can’t run away, if you break somebody else’s heart then god will give you that opportunity to get your revenge.”

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