O'Sullivan Had 'Flight Booked Home' in Anticipation of Higgins Defeat at Crucible

Ronnie O'Sullivan admitted he had already booked his flight home before suffering a heartbreaking 13-12 defeat to Mark Higgins at the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre. The seven-time world champion showed incredible vulnerability in defeat, confessing that he anticipated losing the dramatic quarter-final clash to his long-time rival.

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'I got a bit tight,' O'Sullivan admitted after the match, explaining his mindset during the crucial closing frames. 'I had my flight booked home, so I was just waiting for it to happen really.' The admission from the Rocket highlights the immense pressure facing even the greatest players in the sport, as Higgins secured his first victory over O'Sullivan in 12 years.

The match was a classic Crucible encounter, with momentum swinging dramatically throughout. O'Sullivan appeared to be heading for victory when he led 12-10, requiring just one more frame to advance. However, Higgins produced a stunning comeback, winning the final three frames in succession to complete a memorable 13-12 victory.

Higgins, who last beat O'Sullivan in 2014, was left celebrating an improbable triumph that delighted the Sheffield crowd. 'I never thought I'd get another win over Ronnie,' Higgins said. 'To do it here at the Crucible in a match like that is just incredible.' The win sets up a semi-final showdown as Higgins continues his pursuit of a second World Championship title.

For O'Sullivan, the defeat marks a rare early exit from the tournament he has dominated throughout his career. Despite his disappointment, the sporting legend showed grace in defeat, acknowledging Higgins' superior performance in the decisive stages. The result sends shockwaves through the snooker world and opens up the tournament in fascinating fashion.