Cork snooker star Aaron Hill thrilled for his family and friends after brilliant win

AT just 18-years-old, Aaron Hill, from Cathedral Road in Cork city, pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Irish sport.

The gifted cue-man defeated snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan in the BetVictor European Masters, the first player to defeat O’Sullivan since he lifted his sixth World Championship recently.

Hill, a European underage champion and flagged up as one to watch since his early teens, showed incredible composure at key moments in a stunning performance.

Speaking to The Echo on Friday morning he said: “I am speechless, to be honest. I really enjoyed it and I would have been disappointed if I had lost the match leading 3-1 at the interval. 

"I wasn’t there just to make up the numbers, I was there to win and I am thrilled to have won. Ronnie is the player I admire the most and he is a legend in the game, but I don’t play legends I play the table. 

"Last night was a fantastic moment for me and I can only imagine the family and my friends at home watching.

Speaking of the Hill family, they celebrated long into Thursday night after Aaron's amazing display.

Aaron’s father Stephen is well-known to Cork GAA supporters, a colourful presence on the terrace on matches over the years. 

“We are so proud, you just would not believe it. The excitement last night was incredible, people were talking all night about the match and how brilliant Aaron was. 

"To be honest there was a lot of the match I just couldn’t watch," said Stephen. 

"We are so proud of my son and this is the start for him. Doreen, myself and his sisters, uncles and all his good friends are going to enjoy this moment for a long time."

On the television coverage, O’Sullivan was seen yawning on his introduction to the arena in Milton Keyes. Who could have imagined a few hours later Hill would be sending the world champion to bed in this BetVictor European Masters!

Hill plays Welsh wizard Matthew Stephens on Friday at 2.30pm in the last 32 of the event. 

Typical for a prodigy who only picked up a snooker cue four years ago, he is relaxed about the challenge. 

“I am looking forward to the game and I will play the table and give it my very best. I love this level of snooker and I am going to enjoy every moment and if I play my best snooker who knows..."