Ronnie O’Sullivan enjoyed his clash with Dechawat Poomjaeng in Brentwood (Picture: Getty Images)
Ronnie O’Sullivan loved the whirlwind experience of playing Dechawat Poomjaeng at the English Open on Wednesday, saying the iconic Thai star is ‘off his head!’
The chaotic match in Brentwood saw Poomjaeng win the first two frames as the Rocket took on any and every shot that presented itself to him.
It was reckless abandon from the world champion but his opponent could not press ahead with his advantage and when O’Sullivan zoned in a bit more he started to dominate.
After losing the first two frames, the Rocket made breaks of 61, 69, 104 and 76 to win the match 4-2, but it sounds like he would be delighted to play the 44-year-old again.
Poomjaeng is known to play some fairly unusual shots himself, while the unexpected is usually expected during his matches, including a foul with his shirt during this contest and an attempt at a re-spotted black which just saw him smash the ball round the table.
‘Brilliant, love playing him, he’s fantastic, great fun. He’s off his head!’ O’Sullivan told Eurosport.
‘I thought I’d try and be off my head more. I’m going to try and be more crazy than Poomjaeng today, let’s see if I can do it, and I’ve done it!
Dechawat Poomjaeng is a firm fan favourite for his unpredictable nature (Picture: Getty Images)
‘He’s just on another planet, I want to be on that planet, take me there, please! Elon Musk, take me to Poomjaeng!
‘I got Poomjaenged all over the gaff, I didn’t know what was going on.’
O’Sullivan was in an entertaining mood on and off the table, and when it was suggested to him by Jimmy White that he was on a maximum break at one point in the match, he replied with an impish grin: ‘My days of making maxis…I’d rather win the frame, play the right shot, Jim. Don’t take the game for granted.’
The sarcasm continued when asked about his practice routine, saying: ‘I’m putting in loads of work, I never stop practicing, I’m like a machine, mate.
‘You don’t win as much as I’ve won without practicing don’t worry about that.’
O’Sullivan is back in action at the English Open against Martin Gould in the last 32 on Thursday afternoon.
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‘Elon Musk, take me to Poomjaeng!’
