Ahead of the 2019 English Open, Mark Davis recounts how he defeated Ronnie at the 2018 English Open.
Mark Davis shocked everyone at last year’s English Open as he smashed Ronnie O’Sullivan 6-1 in the semi-finals, a result he says he sees as the best of his career.
The veteran from Hastings had the all-important task of beating the Rocket in the semifinal after O’Sullivan had dropped just five frames in his first five games in Crawley.
Davis destroyed all of the pre-match expectations of pundits though, thrashing the five-time world champion to get to the final of a ranking event for the first time in his career.
Davis fell just short in the final, losing 9-7 to Stuart Bingham after establishing an initial 7-6 lead. Still, he reflects on the tournament as one of the most memorable in his career, and his win over the Rocket as his best ever.
‘It was a perfect week and one of the greatest competitions I have had in terms of how I felt,’ said Davis. ‘That must have been partly down to being so close to home.’
‘I had people coming to watch me in every game. Going back to the same venue will bring back good memories and hopefully I can play some decent stuff again’ said Davis.
He continues ‘I played well against Ronnie.
‘Even the best players find it difficult when you put them under pressure and punish their mistakes. To beat him, 6-1 was amazing and probably the greatest result I have had. Any time that you face Ronnie, it is a different experience. He is one the best snooker players and always will be, as long as he keeps playing.’
‘As incredible as John Higgins and Judd Trump are, Ronnie is a little bit special to play against, and it is impressive when you beat him.’
‘If I finish my career without having to win a ranking tournament, I will have nobody to blame but myself. Getting to the final did give me extra confidence. I need to be more consistent.’
The 2019 English Open began on Monday in Crawley England where the 47-year-old Sussex born professional will continue his quest for glory.
Mark Davis will face Dott Graeme in his next match at the 2019 English Open. Davis is backed at 2.17, while Graeme is fancied at 1.67.
Written by: Aruorihwo Imisa
