Snooker star makes extraordinary double foul vs Ronnie O’Sullivan

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Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan watched on as his English Open opponent Andrew Pagett made two fouls, including potting the cue in extraordinary circumstances. The Rocket whitewashed his first-round rival but not before getting a little bit of help in the opening frame in Brentwood.

O’Sullivan’s appearance at the tournament had been in jeopardy after flying back from China late to compete, but he was given a timely boost as he held just a slender two-point lead over Pagett at 40-38. The Welshman, however, was at the table with only the brown, blue, pink and black balls remaining.

Pagett was in a difficult position in terms of potting the brown though, located at the top cushion while the cue was further to the right and he required to come off the opposite cushion to get the correct angle. Pagett attempted the pot as opposed to playing a safety, with the blue and pink in favourable positions should the brown find the middle of the pocket.

But his first shot spectacularly backfired, missing the brown entirely after he put way too much power on the strike – with O’Sullivan glad to put his opponent back at the table for another attempt.

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The second time around, Pagett was not only able to make contact with the brown but he potted it. He didn’t slow down enough, however, as the cue ball followed the brown into the pocket with groans heard from supporters while Pagett returned to his table while shaking his head.

Eurosport commentator David Hendon attempted to explain Pagett’s first attempt. He said: “Well… I’m not sure how to describe that. To hit it with that speed, the problem with that shot is checked up the cushion and Ronnie doesn’t fear the shot – he has put him back in to have another crack at it. The speed has got to be slowed down.”

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After the Welsh star potted the brown and cue balls together, Hendon added: “Last two shots… just when you think you have seen everything. Extraordinary business, what is going on?”

O’Sullivan went on to win the frame and matters did not improve for Pagett as he lost 4-0 to the Rocket in the seven-time world champion’s first ranking match of the season. He claimed victory despite nursing an injured elbow, which led to him pulling out of the recent European Masters and British Open.

He also embarked on a spat with snooker chiefs, having urged them to move the World Snooker Championship away from the Crucible after getting a bit of luck on his way to the second round – where he faces Jackson Page.

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