Ronnie O’Sullivan could face women’s world No1 in historic snooker showdown in next match after English Open shock
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN’S next match is set to be against the record-breaking women’s world No1.
The Rocket has not been at the table since his first round shock loss to He Guoqiang at the English Open on September 17.
O’Sullivan was going to play in the British Open and Wuhan Open after the defeat – only to pull out of both tournaments for medical reasons.
The 48-year-old’s calendar sees him head to Belfast next for the Northern Ireland Open.
But reports say organisers are expecting him to withdraw from this event too.
O’Sullivan‘s long-awaited comeback would then be at the International Championships in China.
The draw has already been done for the tournament that gets underway on November 3 and the legend will face Mink Nutcharut.
She is the current women’s No1 and the only ever female to record a 147.
The 24-year-old star from Thailand recorded her first ever World Snooker Tour win at the Saudi Arabia Masters when she beat Kusai Hamed earlier this year.
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It will be the first time O’Sullivan has ever played against a woman.
Nutcharut shot to fame two years again when she won a mixed doubles title alongside Neil Robertson.
On the difference between men and women in snooker, Nutcharut said: “There are some elements of strength involved – such as the force behind a strike.
“But I think that with practice, it’s very possible for women to dominate over men in snooker and that’s exciting.”
Inside Ronnie's colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
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