‘Pretty unusual!’ – Ronnie O’Sullivan pots white with opening shot against Ng On-yee at Hong Kong Masters

Ronnie O’Sullivan made an unfortunate start at the 2022 Hong Kong Masters as he pocketed the cue ball with his opening shot.

After receiving a rapturous reception ahead of his match with home favourite Ng On-yee, O’Sullivan proceeded to botch his break-off by bumping the white off the cluster of reds and into a pocket.

“An inauspicious start from O’Sullivan, going in off the break,” said Philip Studd on Eurosport commentary.

“That’s pretty unusual. And he still gets a roar for it!”

Alan McManus added: “He caught the wrong red, just brushed the second red from the end of the pack and spun off.”

Three-time women’s world champion Ng was left with a challenging loose red but coolly stroked it home to the delight of the home crowd, screwing back perfectly for the pink.

However, O’Sullivan – after missing a routine pink – got back in and soon found his groove to pinch the first frame.

The champion collects a £100,000 winner’s cheque with the runner-up earning £45,000. Every player is guaranteed £22,500 for competing.

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