It’s Day 4 of the Northern Ireland Open, and the ball is set rolling in what has been an exhilarating set of performances since the tournament was declared open.
While it’s been goosebumps and arching stories of disappointments for some, it’s been a walk in the park for most of the tournament’s favorites.
That was certainly the case when Ronnie O’Sullivan took out Stuart Carrington like he was never there. Most would agree that it was painfully beautiful watching Carrington lose in such a manner.
Stuart had taken the lead with a run of 51 in the opening frame, but he couldn’t have known till the last frame was concluded that his win in the first frame could well be his last straw. For the rest four frames following the first frame, Carrington felt like an absent presence, lost in the middle of the proceedings as he watched Ronnie sweep him out like a tornado rated F5.
After Sullivan, a five-time world champion scaled past a cagey second frame, and it was a one-way traffic from then on. Carrington was stubborn and patient and looked like a hunter strategically preparing booby traps for its prey. However, it wasn’t just enough to edge out his veteran opponent.
You could use a number of oxymorons to describe Carrington’s performance, but none can efficiently paint the picture. Perhaps, oxymorons like sharp dullness and sloppy efficiency might suffice.
Stuart Carrington might have whitewashed Zhou Yuelong in the previous round, but the Rocket proved to be no match for him.
Ronnie himself spelled out a beautiful win to make it to the last 32, and Stuart would be considered in no position to end his time at the Northern Ireland Open. The Rocket put together breaks of 84, 101, 95 and 54 to shove aside 16-year-old Lei Peifan to earn his place in the last-32 in the first place.
The Rocket has now secured his spot in the tournament’s last-16, consequently setting up a meet with Yuan Sunn.
Ronnie has now emerged as the main favorite to land the title. However, he would have to wade off opposition from all angles on his way to the top. One of such who pose as a serious threat to his dreams is Judd Trump.
Written by: Roland Arum