Snooker sensation Stephen Maguire expressed his disappointment at continually falling short against Ronnie O’Sullivan, extending his 13-year winless streak against the renowned player. Maguire, aged 44, had an opportunity to break the cycle during the recent Xi’an Grand Prix in China but was defeated by O’Sullivan in a commanding 5-0 victory, showcasing his skill with breaks of 134, 70, 63, and 85.
Acknowledging O’Sullivan’s exceptional performance, Maguire praised his opponent’s prowess, admitting, “Ronnie was exceptional against me. He highlighted the gap in our abilities, motivating me to intensify my practice sessions.” Reflecting on his historical rivalry with O’Sullivan, Maguire lamented, “He consistently outplays me. I wonder what I did to upset him years ago because he always brings his A-game whenever we compete. He’s truly a remarkable player.”
Despite O’Sullivan’s defeat in the Xi’an Grand Prix quarter-finals by Gary Wilson, who emphasized the mental challenge of facing O’Sullivan, the ultimate victory went to Mark Williams, claiming the title as the oldest player, aged 50, to win a ranking event.
As Maguire aims to climb back up the rankings, having recently defeated Luca Brecel, he faces Si Jiahui at the Northern Ireland Open, striving to regain his former status among the top 16 players. Reflecting on his journey, Maguire acknowledged the competitive nature of the sport, stating, “It’s a tough battle out there. Every match is crucial, especially given my current ranking. I’m determined to reclaim my position.”
Furthermore, Maguire downplayed his previous Championship League win, emphasizing its role in providing a platform for future success. Sky has announced a reduced price for its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering substantial savings and an extensive lineup of live matches for the upcoming season, including a significant increase in the number of live Premier League games broadcast.
