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  "path": "/sport/snooker/elliot-slessor-brands-snooker-a-utter-pile-of-after-losing-at-players-championship",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-19T15:59:10.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Ronnie O'Sullivan's wife issues message as snooker legend set to miss upcoming Players Championship",
    "Ronnie O'Sullivan drops biggest hint yet he might retire after World Grand Prix defeat",
    "Ronnie O'Sullivan shows off brilliance with illegal shot despite crashing out of World Grand Prix",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nElliot Slessor took to social media to vent his frustration following a dramatic collapse against reigning world champion Zhao Xintong at the Players Championship.\n\nThe 31-year-old from Gateshead had established a commanding 5-2 advantage over the Chinese star before watching his lead evaporate entirely.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nZhao claimed four consecutive frames to complete a remarkable turnaround and secure a 6-5 victory.\n\nThe world number 22 was left seething after the match, taking to X to express his displeasure at what he perceived as an unjust outcome.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSlessor attributed his defeat to fortunate bounces going his opponent's way rather than any shortcomings in his own performance.\n\nIn his post on X, Slessor described the sport as \"an utter pile of [poo emoji]\" adding that what had transpired in his previous four matches was \"beyond belief.\"\n\nWhen one supporter suggested he had squandered opportunities to close out the contest, the Englishman fired back: \"I've split the balls off black and can't get on a ball for love nor money name me one clear cut chance?\"\n\nThe fan persisted, pointing out a missed pot in the deciding frame, but Slessor maintained his position, insisting the match \"should be over 3 times\" before reaching that stage.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe described the lucky shots and ball positions as \"absolutely scandalous.\"\n\nAnother supporter urged Slessor not to be so critical of himself, but he remained defiant, he said: \"I need my opponents to stop fluking balls and could also do with landing on a ball when I open them.\"\n\nZhao, for his part, acknowledged that he had not performed to his usual standard during the encounter.\n\nThe 28-year-old from Xi'an revealed he had only touched down in Britain the day before the match, leaving him struggling with jet lag.\n\n### LATEST SPORT NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Ronnie O'Sullivan's wife issues message as snooker legend set to miss upcoming Players Championship\n  * Ronnie O'Sullivan drops biggest hint yet he might retire after World Grand Prix defeat\n  * Ronnie O'Sullivan shows off brilliance with illegal shot despite crashing out of World Grand Prix\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe said: \"Tonight I didn't play very well. I'm happy I managed to win.\"\n\nXi'an added that he would aim to improve for the following round.\n\nThe world champion praised his opponent's display in the opening exchanges, noting Slessor's impressive long potting had given him few opportunities.\n\nZhao arrives at the Players Championship fresh from his triumph at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, where he claimed his maiden ranking title on Chinese soil.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe said: \"I'm very happy I won in Hong Kong. It was my first ranking title in China so it was very important for me.\n\n\"I have no pressure now so I just want to enjoy every match.\"\n\nThe world champion will next face 2005 Crucible winner Shaun Murphy in the second round.\n\nZhao acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying: \"Shaun is a very strong player and I know it will be a tough game. To beat Shaun I know you have to play really well.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Snooker star brands sport a 'utter pile of...' after losing at Players Championship"
}