Ronnie O’Sullivan said the busy schedule of tournaments in recent weeks played its part in his shock defeat in the Northern Ireland Open today.

Ronnie O’Sullivan. Picture by Monique Limbos

The five-times world champion lost 4-1 to world number 82 Elliot Slessor in the third round clash meaning his chances of winning a record prize of £1million were over.

In the past few weeks O’Sullivan and a number of other top players have played in the International Championship, Champion of Champions, Shanghai Masters and Northern Ireland Open.

O’Sullivan was reported by the Belfast Telegraph to have said fatigue was to blame for the defeat.

“I am so happy the chance of the £1million is gone, all the silly headlines, it was ridiculous. I went along with it, but you have more chance of winning the lottery,” he said.

“Elliot played really well and handled the situation well. He potted some good balls, and was solid and sometime solid is good enough.

“I am a bit fed up with playing, all the travelling and going from one hotel to another, one country to another. It’s greed really, and I’m not greedy, and haven’t done my training camps.”

Slessor, who faces Sam Craigie this evening in a bid to reach the quarter-finals, described the win as the best of his career.

The 23-year-old told World Snooker: “I like playing these sort of matches. I’ve played a lot of the big names and I am quite comfortable out there.

“I enjoy playing in front of big crowds. I like that feeling of trying to impress.

“I would say it has to be the best win of my career. Especially because of the packed crowd.”