Iran's Hossein Vafaei caused the biggest shock of this year's World Snooker Championship by defeating world number one Judd Trump in a final-frame decider on Monday. Vafaei showed nerves of steel to produce a break of 91 in the 25th frame, securing a 13-12 victory and advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time. Trump, who led 10-7 and 12-11, could not prevent the Iranian's remarkable comeback.
Vafaei received a standing ovation from the crowd and a warm congratulations from Trump. 'He's such a tough opponent. I respect him on and off the table,' Vafaei said. 'Today I played better than yesterday and I managed it better than before. I said: "If it's my tournament, it's going to happen." I've been working on the mental side, I've wanted to be calmer and perform.'
Elsewhere, Ronnie O'Sullivan admitted he got what he deserved after his bid for a record eighth Crucible title was ended by John Higgins in another stunning comeback. O'Sullivan twice led by five frames but lost six in a row over the final two sessions. Higgins fired three centuries on Monday before holding his nerve to win 13-12 and reach the quarter-finals.
O'Sullivan revealed he had booked a flight home to Ireland for Monday morning, so convinced was he that he would lose before the third session. 'I was realistic about my chances. I haven't been in any big matches for two years,' he said. 'Playing the top boys in a real pressure situation now, I knew it was going to expose me in some sort of way. I was really shocked that I was able to make a game of it.'
Higgins, who had trailed 8-3 and 9-4, said the win was among the best of his career. 'It's got to be up there,' he said. 'I'm just delighted I came to the party in the third session. The atmosphere was incredible.'
In another match, Mark Selby branded the playing surface 'horrific' after a 13-11 defeat by China's Wu Yize. Selby pushed Wu all the way but expressed his frustration afterwards, saying: 'I felt like the conditions were the worst I've experienced here at the world championship.'
