Ronnie O’Sullivan punches table as he crashes out of World Championship | Other | Sport

O’Sullivan was left thumping the table for a second time after missing a crucial red that allowed Higgins to seal victory in the deciding frame. Higgins appeared poised to wrap up the frame before a heavy contact with the cue ball handed O’Sullivan another opportunity, though he required 57 with just 59 points remaining.

The Rocket failed to take his chance, and Higgins held his nerve, leaving snookers required. O’Sullivan swiftly shook his opponent’s hand, as the 50 year old progressed to the next round having recovered from both 6-2 and 9-4 deficits against the seven-time champion.

John Parrott hailed the contest as the ‘best last-16 match that has ever been’. He said: “We have all been going mad, I’ve got sweaty palms and I’m not even playing because we have all been there, we have all been out there.

“That’s one of the greatest sessions of snooker ever played in this place and we have been here since 1977. Both players, just like two juggernauts and absolutely wouldn’t give anything.”

“Ronnie had his chance on the last frame, he did have it. It was a tricky red in the corner that he missed and he can’t complain with that.

“John Higgins, that must be one of the greatest ever victories and he has had some over the years.”

Following the match, O’Sullivan praised his opponent: “Yeah, he played well, he deserved his win. If he plays like he did in that last session, he’s got a chance.

“I had it and went into the pack, left myself a difficult red. I’d have liked to have had my hand on the table and you never know but I probably wasn’t the better player over the match anyway.”

Higgins, meanwhile, was delighted to have delivered a stunning final session and to triumph in a match he had trailed throughout. He said: “I have come to the party at last, so that was brilliant.

“I know my cue ball wasn’t great and especially when you are playing Ronnie, when his cue ball is pinpoint, it can demoralise you. I was 6-2 down and I said to my family if I win my next two sessions I have got a chance.”