Snooker: O'sullivan Faces Walk Out Rap

Ronnie O'Sullivan took an unprecedented step in the history of snooker yesterday when he walked out of his quarter-final with Stephen Hendry at the UK Championship here. It is the first time in his controversial career that O'Sullivan has retired during a match and he is likely to face disciplinary action by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

Although he was trailing 4-1 in the best-of-17-frames match O'Sullivan had just won his first frame and was on a break of 24 when he missed a red. At that he shook hands with Hendry and the referee, Jan Verhaas, and conceded the match.

In a statement later O'Sullivan explained that frustration with his performance had caused him to quit but on reflection he regretted that decision. "I wish I could have played a better game today but I had a bad day in the office," he said. "I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my game and today I got so annoyed with myself that I lost my patience and walked away from a game that, with hindsight, I should have continued.

"I wish I could have given Stephen a better game and I'm sorry I didn't stick around to sharpen him up for his semi-final. I'm also really sorry to let down the fans who came to see me play. It wasn't my intention to disappoint them and for that I am truly apologetic. At this moment I am feeling disappointed with myself and I am hurt and numb but I am a fighter and I will be back on my feet fighting stronger and harder than ever very soon."

O'Sullivan's departure left Hendry bemused. "It's just bizarre," he said . "But I'm not going to criticise Ronnie because I don't know his reasons, his thoughts or if anything is wrong. He came into my dressing room and said, 'Good luck for the rest of the tournament.' I asked if there was anything wrong and he said, 'No, I'm just fed up, I've had enough.'"

A large audience was expected for the conclusion of the match and those who had paid to attend the two sessions were allowed to watch yesterday's other quarter-final in which Graeme Dott beat Steve Davis 9-6 and will be Hendry's opponent tomorrow. They were also offered tickets for today's semi-final between John Higgins and Peter Ebdon.