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Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan played down the early concession of a frame as he crashed out of the UK Championship in Shropshire.
The three-times world champion lost 9-5 to Joe Perry at Telford’s International Centre last night, despite starting the day with a 5-3 advantage.
After losing three frames in a row, the 33-year-old seemed to have lost all interest, and conceded the next frame at only 23-0 down and with nine reds left to go 7-5 behind.
O’Sullivan’s concession brought back memories of this competition two years ago, when he called an end to his best-of-17-frame quarter-final against Stephen Hendry in York while trailing only 4-1.
Perry took advantage of whatever was affecting O’Sullivan yesterday and quickly wrapped up victory by taking the final two frames to give himself a clean sweep of all six on the day.
O’Sullivan could now face disciplinary action – but he had no regrets.
“It will be a little £250 fine and a letter in the post,” he said.
“I’ve had a few of them and I suppose I’ll have a few more.
“I was happy I did it really. I needed to get it over with, have a cup of tea and get back.
“It didn’t make a difference in the end – and it’s no big deal.”
By SEAN WOZENCROFT
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