Ronnie O’Sullivan narrowly missed out on a significant prize at the major Heyball event in China, which runs from May 28 to June 8. This tournament marks O’Sullivan’s debut in the emerging discipline of Heyball at the Deqing International Conference Center.
Event Overview
The Heyball event featured some exciting matches. O’Sullivan achieved wins against Ivan Kakovskiy (15-9) and Suung Kim (15-12) before facing powerhouse Zheng Yubo in the quarter-finals. Zheng proved to be a formidable opponent, leveraging his experience to advance further in the tournament.
Match Statistics
- O’Sullivan vs. Kakovskiy: O’Sullivan won 15-9
- O’Sullivan vs. Suung Kim: O’Sullivan won 15-12
- O’Sullivan vs. Zheng Yubo: Lost
Zheng dominated the match with impressive statistics. He achieved four break and runs, boasting a potting rate of 55%. In contrast, O’Sullivan managed only one break and ran with a potting rate of 18%.
About Heyball
Heyball combines elements of snooker and pool. It is played on a smaller table, specifically a nine-foot table, and uses standard eight-ball pool balls. The pockets are similar to those on a snooker table, providing unique challenges for players.
O’Sullivan’s Recent Performances
Despite his loss in the Heyball event, O’Sullivan has had a notable season. He recently exited the 50th World Championship at the Crucible after a close match against John Higgins, ending with a score of 13-12. Following that, he claimed the 2026 World Seniors Championship title, defeating Joe Perry 10-4.
Additionally, O’Sullivan triumphed over 2023 world champion Luca Brecel at the Snooker 900 Global Championship with a score of 10-5. This victory was aided by five centuries during the match.
Looking Forward
O’Sullivan expressed enthusiasm about his Heyball experience, indicating he is eager to improve on the smaller table and refine his tactics. He stated, “I love playing snooker on this table with the pool balls, a new experience, and I’ve had a great time.”
Though he fell short of the £550,000 prize at the Heyball event, O’Sullivan’s journey continues to attract attention in the snooker community. Fans can look forward to his future appearances and development in this intriguing game.
