by Callum Ellis
KNOCKING former world number one Ronnie O’Sullivan out of the 2019 Welsh Open is the ‘biggest’ victory of Alexander Ursenbacher’s career.
Swiss youngster Ursenbacher turned on the style to send the five-time world champion packing with a 4-2 triumph in the Welsh capital.
O’Sullivan enjoyed a break of 118 in the opening frame – securing his 994th career century – and looked set to be on course for another victory.
A straightforward result was anything but for the Englishman as Ursenbacher twice came from behind to seal a place in the fourth round of the competition.
Despite taking on ‘the Rocket’ for the very first time, the 22-year-old was not fazed by the calibre of his opposition.
“It’s obviously my biggest win but I just tried to play well,” said Ursenbacher.
“If you play well, the wins come automatically. You try to enjoy it, play well and then everything takes care of itself.”
Ursenbacher admitted he is full of confidence heading into the next round after sealing an unexpected result against the experienced O’Sullivan.
“It feels very good. I didn’t really expect to beat him but I knew I had a chance if I tried to take my chances.
“I’m full of confidence now – but I’ve still got to concentrate on each ball because otherwise I’m not going to go any further.”
The youngster kept his composure and finished the final frame in fine style with a startling shot to sink the yellow ball.
“I felt really calm to be honest. I just knew, if I hit it as thin I could, without hitting the brown, then it might go in.”
He added: “I thought if I pot this, I’ll win the match.”
Ursenbacher will take on 67th-ranked Zhao Xintong in the next stage of the tournament.
(Featured image: Benutzer)
