Ronnie O’Sullivan’s opponent Pang Junxu goes wrong way in big entrance for World Snooker Championship clash

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s opponent Pang Junxu made a bit of a gaffe before he had even got to the table for their World Championship first-round clash as he lost his bearings at the Crucible Theatre.

While players dream of slowly ambling down the legendary stairs of the most famous venue in snooker, Pang surprised everyone by zipping off to his left and coming down a side path down into the arena.

“He chose his own route to the table – and why not?!” quipped the perma-jovial emcee Rob Walker as he smiled over at the 23-year-old, who had been directed over to the correct chair by an official.

The stage was finally then set for the reigning world champion, O’Sullivan, to make his grand entrance as he attempts to become the outright record-holder with eight world titles by surpassing fellow legend Stephen Hendry’s tally.

Unsurprisingly, The Rocket received a huge ovation from the delighted Crucible faithful as he strolled down the – correct – stairs and onto a stage he has shone on so many times in the past.

Eurosport commentator Dave Hendon was among those who found the whole moment entertaining as he gave his assessment while the two players settled down for the session.

“Well, from Pang’s perspective, let’s hope his sense of direction is a bit better here on the table!” he said.

“He has never been here before and he came in the wrong entrance, but he is here and looking forward to a huge occasion.”

O’Sullivan certainly settled better than Pang when play got underway too as he raced into a commanding 6-3 lead in the opening session of the tournament. He requires a further four frames in the evening session to progress through.

While O’Sullivan has not enjoyed the most productive campaign since he sealed his stunning seventh world title, he can put all of that right at the sport’s finest setting.

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