World snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has been knocked out of the European Masters by 18 year old Irish rookie Aaron Hill.
Hill, who is ranked 115th in the world, turned professional in March and wasn’t even born when ‘The Rocket’ won his first world title way back in 2001.
In his first match since winning his sixth world title in August, Ronnie fought back from being 3-1 down to take the lead at 4-3 only for the young Cork man to take the last two frames and clinch a memorable 5-4 win in the second round.
Just the start for 18-year-old Aaron Hill ?
A break of 74 sees him take the opening frame against the six-time world champion.#BVEuroSeries @BetVictor pic.twitter.com/lMqDqUKQUn
— World Snooker Tour (@WeAreWST) September 24, 2020
“I’m speechless,” said Hill.
“If I’d lost after being 3-1 up, I’d have been disappointed. I am just so pleased with that victory.”
“I didn’t just go out there and be happy to be there – I still wanted to win the match,” added Hill.
“Everyone back home, my family and my friends must be buzzing. I just looked at my phone and I think it is going to take until Christmas to reply to everyone.”