Cork's Aaron Hill produced a major upset in the Welsh Open yesterday, defeating four-time world on a 4-2 scoreline in their third round meeting.
The 21-year old entered the match against their tournament's sixth seed as a sizeable underdog, although he would go on to play some brilliant snooker en route to victory. That includes this impressive cleanup in the final frame to ensure the win.
🇮🇪🔥#WelshOpen 🏴 pic.twitter.com/x4qRVboTe4
— WST (@WeAreWST) February 14, 2024
That performance has drawn some major praise from the biggest name in the sport.
READ HERE: Mark Williams Docked Points By Snooker Referee For Harmless Joke In World Grand Prix Win
Ronnie O'Sullivan praises Cork youngster after Mark Selby win
Aaron Hill has produced some big upsets in the past, including a victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan in the 2020 European Master as an 18-year old.
Speaking on Eurosport yesterday, O'Sullivan admitted he is particularly impressed with one aspect of the Cork man's game.
"He walks around the table like 𝗜'𝗺 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻!"
Ronnie O'Sullivan reflects on Aaron Hill's incredible victory over Mark Selby 🗣️@ronnieo147 | @rachelcasey11 | #WelshOpen pic.twitter.com/wYUUKWZDRu— Eurosport (@eurosport) February 14, 2024
He played really well. He's a strong player, I've played him before. He hits the ball really well.
He fancies the job, he walks around the table like 'I'm here to win'. That puts a little bit of doubt in your opponent's head straight away.
Mark [Selby] wasn't great today, he was a bit off form. But you've still got to pot the ball and do the business...
He naturally plays the shot the right way, that yellow he punches in, that blue he punches in. A lot of players might roll it and think 'if I miss it I'll leave it over the hole'...
He's playing the shot in a positive way. If you play the shot in a positive way and miss it, the snooker gods will always go 'you played it the right way' and at some point it will work for you.
That's what I believe, most people might think I'm off my head. I truly believe if you play the game the right way, you will get rewarded.
That's some high praise from the best player to ever pick up a cue.
At 21-years old, Aaron Hill certainly looks to have a big future in the game.
SEE ALSO: Selecting A Five-A-Side Team From Each Of Ireland's Four Provinces
