Ronnie O’Sullivan knocked out of World Snooker Championship by Stuart Bingham

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s quest for an eighth World Snooker Championship crown came to an end as he was beaten by Stuart Bingham in the quarter-finals at the Crucible Theatre. The Rocket, a fan favorite, was expected to progress in his bid for another title but was ultimately defeated by the 2015 champion.

The match was not without its controversies, as O’Sullivan clashed with referee Desislava Bozhilova during the game. O’Sullivan told Bozhilova to “chill” as she urged him to play a shot, prompting laughter from the crowd. The 48-year-old also expressed his frustration with officials, claiming that some referees “have it in” for him.

Despite the defeat, O’Sullivan’s sportsmanship shone through as he declined a pot on the black ball after a controversial incident, not wanting to profit from what he deemed to be an unfair advantage. The defeat also means that O’Sullivan will not complete the seasonal Triple Crown for the first time in his career.

On the other hand, Bingham’s victory marks a remarkable return to form. Coming through qualifying to reach the Crucible, he is now in the last four for just the second time since his championship win nine years ago. Bingham will face another qualifier, Jak Jones, in the semi-finals, guaranteeing that a player from outside the world’s top 16 will be in the final.

In the other semi-final, Kyren Wilson will take on David Gilbert after Wilson overcame John Higgins 13-8. Wilson has been installed as the new favorite to lift the trophy in Sheffield. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the World Snooker Championship as the remaining players battle it out for snooker supremacy.