The sting of defeat hadn’t faded for Ronnie O’Sullivan as he left the arena in Nanjing, yet his competitive fire quickly shifted. Instead of dwelling on a narrow loss to Jack Lisowski, the seven-time world champion sought out a different kind of challenge – mentoring the youngest professional on the tour.
Fourteen-year-old Michal Szubarczyk, a rising star from Poland, is navigating his first season as a pro. He’s already proven his exceptional talent, securing four victories – a remarkable feat for someone so young. O’Sullivan, despite his own disappointment, recognized an opportunity to nurture that potential.
A simple image captured the moment: O’Sullivan carefully selecting balls for Szubarczyk, a quiet exchange of knowledge between a legend and a hopeful. Victoria Shi, of Sheffield’s Victoria’s Snooker Academy, shared the scene, calling it “valuable advice from the greatest player of all time.”
Szubarczyk’s arrival on the professional circuit wasn’t a surprise to those who’d witnessed his dominance in junior competitions. Earlier this year, he claimed both the European Under-16 and Under-18 Championships, even reaching the final of the open age event – a performance that earned him his place among the pros.
Three-time world champion Mark Williams had already taken notice, witnessing Szubarczyk’s skill firsthand in Turkey. He described the young Pole as “one of the best 14-year-olds I’ve ever seen in my life,” comparing his potential to a young Ronnie O’Sullivan himself.
Williams was astounded by Szubarczyk’s consistent high scoring, routinely witnessing breaks of 80, 90, and even 100. He immediately alerted fellow professionals, including John Higgins, to the emergence of this extraordinary talent, predicting a bright future for the young player.
O’Sullivan has often expressed his desire to support emerging players, particularly within the UK. He believes in fostering grassroots development and helping to re-establish the nation’s dominance in the sport, though he admits he isn’t actively sought out for guidance.
While few players have directly requested his mentorship, O’Sullivan consistently offers advice to those he believes in, preferring to work quietly and supportively. He understands the value of experience and the impact a guiding hand can have on a player’s development.
The International Championship in Nanjing also showcased another promising young talent, Wang Xinzhong, a 14-year-old who stunned onlookers with victories over the women’s world champion and a seasoned professional before a narrow defeat to Shaun Murphy.
Jack Lisowski, O’Sullivan’s conqueror, admitted the weight of finally defeating his idol nearly derailed his focus. Leading 5-3, he confessed to being overwhelmed by the significance of the moment, a feeling rooted in years of watching O’Sullivan dominate the sport.
Lisowski described a temporary loss of concentration, a disruption to his cueing, but ultimately managed to hold on and secure the victory, fueled by recent success and a touch of luck. It was a hard-fought win against a player who had previously remained undefeated against him.
The tournament continues, with a compelling lineup of matches scheduled, showcasing both established stars and the exciting new generation of snooker players. The future of the sport appears bright, with talents like Szubarczyk and Xinzhong poised to make their mark.
Adding to the excitement, Zak Surety achieved a rare feat during the tournament, recording a 147 break on his way to victory – the second of his career and one of fifteen already recorded this season, threatening to break the all-time record.
