Welsh Open 2024: 'Useless' - Elliot Slessor laments performance in semi-final loss to Martin O’Donnell
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Updated 17/02/2024 at 18:33 GMT
For the fourth time in his career, Elliot Slessor fell at the semi-final stage of a ranking tournament after being beaten by Martin O'Donnell at the Welsh Open in Llandudno. O'Donnell wrapped up victory with a superb break of 126, but Slessor was unhappy with his own display. Stream top snooker action, including the Welsh Open, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at Eurosport.com.
‘Body language is great’ - Slessor wins ninth frame against O’Donnell
Elliot Slessor has described his performance in his Welsh Open semi-final loss as “useless” but praised his opponent Martin O’Donnell for the way he closed out the contest.
In what was a nervy contest between two players who were seeking a first career final appearance, Slessor fought back from 5-3 down with break of 95 and 65 to force a decider.
A poor safety from Slessor - a theme of the match - presented O’Donnell with his chance and he knocked in a serene 126 to secure his place in the final at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.
There were positives for Slessor in terms of his performances in his run to the last four - which suggested his work with coach Chris Henry was starting to pay off - but there was only negativity in the immediate aftermath of the 6-5 loss.
“I was useless,” Slessor told Eurosport. “He deserved his win.
“I could not find the top cushion all day and missed silly balls.
“He made a good break at the end.
“I thought I found a gear to go 5-5 and all I was looking for was a chance, I thought I was playing a decent safety and I put the red over the hole. To be fair, he made a great break so good luck to him.”
Defeat in Wales was the third time Slessor had come up short in semi-finals, and he reflected on poor performances on the big stage.
“I have lost a couple of these close semis now and have not really played great,” the 29-year-old said. “I had more than enough chances and I did not take them and Martin deserved his win.
“I have played some decent stuff during the week, there are some positives, but I am just distraught with how I played today.”
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Stream top snooker action, including the Welsh Open, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at Eurosport.com.
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