‘I almost cried,’ says rival Ronnie O’Sullivan of an ‘unforgivable’ mistake

HOSSEIN VAFAEI was close to tears after making an “unforgivable” mistake in his World Open victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The Prince of Persia defeated O’Sullivan 5-4 in the last 16 at the Yushan Sport Center in China on Thursday.

2

However, the Iranian almost neglected his chances of victory during a dramatic final frame.

Vafaei looked on course to win before missing a straight red, leaving the commentators stunned.

His mistake allowed the Rocket to return to the table, with O’Sullivan opening a 26-point lead after potting the final red.

He then missed a black pass along the cushion and gave the initiative back to Vafaei, who eventually won the match.

He told me afterwards WST.tv: “I’m still shocked at how I missed that red to be honest. I feel great, but to be honest, I’m still shocked at how I missed that red.

‘I went down so fast [on the shot] that my eyes could see nowhere. That was unforgivable.”

Revealing how emotional he was during the final frame, Vafaei continued: “I had to control myself, but inside I was almost crying, how did I miss that?

“Because I saw red on the position on the table and suddenly I said: ‘That’s done, I did it’. And then suddenly I missed red, I don’t know how.”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

The eventful clash of the last 16 was earlier disrupted by a “xylophone” sound from the crowd.

Vafaei’s victory sets up a quarter-final meeting with Ding Junhui for a place in the last four.

This week’s World Open concludes on Sunday with the winner taking home £170,000 in prize money.