Worst tragedy: so embarrassing! ‘I played against Ronnie O’Sullivan – he’s the GOAT but I prefer watching his rival’ shameless snooker top star gone crazy” as he share his reasons…
Mink Nutcharut maintains that Mark Selby is her “idol” despite calling Ronnie O’Sullivan the “best” snooker player. The Rocket and the women’s world No. 1 faced off in Sunday’s opening round of the International Championship in Nanjing, China.
While the seven-time world champion was having trouble finding his rhythm, Nutcharut performed admirably throughout the fight and took the first frame.
Before the game, Nutcharut told Metro of O’Sullivan and his longstanding rival Selby: “Ronnie is the best, for me, in snooker.” I guess my style icon is Mark Selby, but Ronnie is the finest. I just play snooker the way I want to, but I wish I had his level of control.
Nutcharut had previously met O’Sullivan on the baize in a World Mixed Doubles event before Sunday’s match up. And discussing that clash, she explained: “I remember that time, I played with him and he followed me, I felt the pressure because it’s Ronnie behind me.
“I want to give it my all this time, and perhaps I can learn from him. In doubles, it’s different because I can play more for enjoyment because it’s just me. But I’ll give it my all because I want to win.
Nutcharut’s latest clash with O’Sullivan had to be delayed by over 50 minutes due to safety concerns after spectators crammed into the arena, which resulted in the match between Zhang Anda and Ishpreet Singh Chadha in the morning session ending early.
But after his victory, O’Sullivan said: “An absolute privilege to play such a talented opponent. Thank you for the game and good luck in the future.”
Nutcharut, 24, became the first woman to make a verified 147 maximum break when she achieved the feat at the Hi-End Snooker Club in Bangkok in 2019. She joined the main snooker tour in 2022 and now lives in Sheffield, which is home to The Crucible.
And she added: “For the main tour my goal now is I want to try to make a maximum. I think this is difficult for me but I want to try.
I want to win more, of course, but it’s not easy for women. But my goal is a 147. I want to get the Women’s World Championship again too.
“I’m here [in Sheffield] now more than in Thailand. I’m used to it, it’s better than the first year. I think the first year I was a little bit homesick, but now I can adjust to staying here a long time.”
