London, December 06, 2025
Ronnie O’Sullivan, the eight-time UK Championship winner, was eliminated in the first round of the 2025 UK Championship by China’s Zhou Yuelong in a 6-4 defeat, marking a shocking upset in this major snooker event.
The match unfolded with Zhou gaining the early advantage despite O’Sullivan holding leads during the frames. Zhou won the first two frames, setting a competitive tone. O’Sullivan responded with significant breaks of 71 and 123 to level the match at 3-3 before the interval, demonstrating resilience. Following this, Zhou edged ahead by clinching a 125-point clearance in the seventh frame, putting himself two frames ahead. Although O’Sullivan secured the ninth frame to stay in contention, he ultimately lost the tenth frame after losing the lead, allowing Zhou to close out the match 6-4.
This defeat represents a major upset as O’Sullivan was aiming for a record-extending ninth UK Championship title. It extends his unexpected streak of early exits, marking his second consecutive first-round loss at this event. Furthermore, it prolongs his ranking title drought since winning the World Grand Prix in January 2024. O’Sullivan’s status as one of snooker’s greatest players and the prestige of the UK Championship as a Triple Crown event amplify the significance of this result.
Zhou Yuelong’s performance was marked by key clearances and steady control under pressure, showcasing his skill and composure at 27 years old. This victory stands as a notable career highlight and shapes the tournament dynamics by removing a top contender early.
The 2025 UK Championship’s unexpected result underlines the competitive unpredictability at the highest levels of professional snooker. As O’Sullivan seeks to recover form in this season, Zhou’s victory signals emerging challenges to established champions and highlights the evolving talent landscape within the sport.