Cork snooker ace Aaron Hill wins to set up match against Ronnie O'Sullivan

CORK’S Aaron Hill really made a mark at the BetVictor European Open Snooker Championships in Milton Keyes when he defeated world-ranked number 94 Andy Hicks 5-2 with a fantastic display.

Hill trailed early on, but then found his rhythm coming from 2-1 down to rattle off three frames in a row to lead 4-2. He was then just one frame away from victory and a second-round meeting with the Rocket, Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Hill, just 18 years of age, has won it all in the amateur game and received his WST World Professional tour card following his double European success in Portugal last February. 

He is a rising star of the game and now takes on his childhood snooker hero Ronnie O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan received a walkover in his opener, as his opponent Daniel Wells was asked to self-isolate due to Covid-19.

Hill picked up some valuable ranking points in Milton Keyes last weekend with his third-placed group finish.

In the deciding frame against Hicks, Hill knocked in a century break to seal the victory and the Crucible man is finding his feet at this level.

Hill has already shown his credentials with European success in the U18 and U21 grades, along with All-Ireland glory for his club. He made the last 32 in the BetVictor Shootout in Watford and is an Irish Classic champion.

So it’s the Rocket next for the Cork city native.