Bradford snooker ace Simon Bedford defeats world champion O'Sullivan (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford snooker ace Simon Bedford defeats world champion O'Sullivan

2:18pm Saturday 8th September 2012 in Sport By Michael Black

Bradford snooker professional Simon Bedford took the scalp of Ronnie O'Sullivan today as the 'Rocket' returned to the game four months after winning the World Championship.

Bedford, ranked 76 in the world, forced a deciding frame and took it with a break of 98 to claim a terrific 4-3 victory at the Players Tour Championship event at the South West Snooker Academy in Gloucester.

It marked a fine comeback for the 36-year-old as O'Sullivan had led 2-0 and 3-2.

O'Sullivan, also 36, said after his fourth Crucible triumph in May that he would be taking six months out of the sport, and then he initially refused to sign the contract players must return to World Snooker before being eligible to compete.

Appearance money was a factor behind O'Sullivan's delay, but talks with World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn eventually saw him sign.