O'Sullivan had 'flight booked home' in anticipation of Higgins defeat

Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed he had booked a flight home before his second-round match against John Higgins at the World Snooker Championship, displaying characteristic confidence even as he contemplated defeat at the Crucible Theatre.

The seven-time world champion suffered a stunning 10-9 defeat to his old rival Higgins in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, despite having led 7-3 at one stage. O'Sullivan's admission about the pre-booked flight came in his post-match interview, where he displayed his trademark mix of honesty and nonchalance.

"I actually had a flight booked home already," O'Sullivan confessed. "I thought it would be over after Higgins beat me, so I didn't see the point in hanging around Sheffield. John was playing well, and I could see the way it was going."

The match lived up to its billing as a classic encounter between two of snooker's greatest players. Higgins produced a remarkable comeback, winning six consecutive frames at one stage to turn the match on its head. The Englishman showed glimpses of his brilliant best but was ultimately unable to contain his Scottish opponent's surge.

"John played exceptional snooker in that middle session," O'Sullivan acknowledged. "I had my chances, but he deserved to win. He's one of the greatest players ever, and he showed why today. I'll have to watch from home now and see who comes through."

The defeat means O'Sullivan will miss the opportunity to add to his seven world titles this year. His early exit follows that of Judd Trump, who also suffered a second-round defeat, leaving the tournament without two of its biggest drawcards.

Higgins, who faces either Mark Selby or Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals, expressed his relief at the victory. "To beat Ronnie at the Crucible is always special. He's the greatest player of all time, and I knew I'd have to produce my best snooker. The way the match turned around was incredible."

For O'Sullivan, the focus will now shift to the remainder of the season. Despite the disappointment, his candid admission about the flight booking encapsulates the unique personality that has made him one of sport's most compelling figures. Whether he returns to Sheffield next year for another assault on the world title remains to be seen, but his legacy as a true legend of the green baize remains undiminished.