Welsh Open 2024: ‘Useless’ – Elliot Slessor laments performance in semi-final loss to Martin O’Donnell

Elliot Slessor has described his performance in his Welsh Open semi-final loss as “useless” but praised his opponent Martin O’Donnell for the way he closed out the contest.

A poor safety from Slessor – a theme of the match – presented O’Donnell with his chance and he knocked in a serene 126 to secure his place in the final at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

“I was useless,” Slessor told Eurosport. “He deserved his win.

“I could not find the top cushion all day and missed silly balls.

“He made a good break at the end.

“I thought I found a gear to go 5-5 and all I was looking for was a chance, I thought I was playing a decent safety and I put the red over the hole. To be fair, he made a great break so good luck to him.”

Defeat in Wales was the third time Slessor had come up short in semi-finals, and he reflected on poor performances on the big stage.

“I have lost a couple of these close semis now and have not really played great,” the 29-year-old said. “I had more than enough chances and I did not take them and Martin deserved his win.

“I have played some decent stuff during the week, there are some positives, but I am just distraught with how I played today.”