Pre-tournament favourite Ronnie O’Sullivan has insisted he could have no complaints after his stunning exit from 12Bet.com UK Championship in Telford.

O’Sullivan crashed out of snooker’s second biggest event yesterday when he was beaten 9-6 by world No 23 Stuart Bingham, who registered his first victory over the Rocket.

O’Sullivan led 6-4 at one stage before losing five successive frames but offered a gracious analysis as his quest to win a fifth UK title fell at the first hurdle at Telford International Centre.

“I have to congratulate Stuart,” said O’Sullivan after his shock defeat.

“He played a fantastic match and looked really sharp around the table.

“He was the better player over the two days and he is a better player than he was six months ago.

“These days, the standard is so high and Stuart has been playing really well this season.

“Even when I went 6-4 up I felt any mistake would be punished. He just looked the sharper player.”

It was a deflating conclusion for O’Sullivan, who was watched by his father Ronnie Senior for the first time in 18 years following his release from prison.

“I’m really disappointed because I wished I could have had a go at this,” he added.

“I was second to the punch all the time which can be demoralising because I wasn’t able to put him under the same pressure.

“I was trying my hardest but when there is nothing in the tank, there’s nothing in the tank.”

All eight second round matches will be played to a conclusion today – four got under way last night.

The quarter-finals begin tomorrow.

By James Garrison