Scottish Open: Ronnie O’Sullivan hopes Zhou Yuelong learned 'lesson' with early celebration in defeat
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Updated 17/12/2023 at 07:18 GMT
Zhou Yuelong may need some time to get over his defeat to Gary Wilson in the semi-finals of the Scottish Open. Not only did he lead 5-3 before being pegged back, the Chinese player celebrated with a fist pump after potting a green to leave Wilson needing snookers, only for the defending champion to get them and win the match on a respotted black to reach the final.
‘He will be gutted’ - O’Sullivan reflects on Zhou's agonising loss to Wilson
Ronnie O’Sullivan hopes Zhou Yuelong learned a lesson from his premature celebrations prior to an agonising defeat to Gary Wilson in the semi-finals of the Scottish Open.
Zhoui led 5-3 only to be pegged back by Wilson who won frames nine and 10 to force a decider.
A break of 69 had Zhou in control, and after potting the green following a lengthy safety exchange he pumped his fist in celebration.
It proved to be a premature move, as Wilson got two snookers to force a respotted black - and the defending champion won after 17 shots to book his place in the final.
Alan McManus said in the Eurosport studio that it is never wise to raise the fist before the final bell, and world No. 1 O’Sullivan hopes a lesson is learned.
“He will be gutted,” O’Sullivan said in the Eurosport studio. “It will be horrible to lose a match like that.
“Probably it’s a lesson for him to never, ever celebrate a win again until the guy shakes your hand.”
O’Sullivan was impressed with how Zhou took defeat in Edinburgh on Saturday, and feels he will convert his promise into a title in the near future.
“It is never a nice feeling,” O’Sullivan said. “But I think he took it well, he shook Gary’s hand and seemed happy for Gary, so he is a good sportsman in that way.
“It is disappointing for him that he has had to lose in a semi-final in that way, but he keeps knocking on the door. It won’t be long before he wins his first ranking event.”
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