Alexander Ursenbacher beat Ronnie O’Sullivan to reach the last 64 of the British Open on Monday in Milton Keynes.
But if overcoming the reigning world champion for the third time in his career wasn’t enough, the Swiss star was able to record the success in front of a surprise guest as well.
For the first time since he was a teenager his mother came to watch him play, and she couldn’t have picked a much better moment.
“She was at an amateur event when I was 14 and that was it,” Alexander Ursenbacher told the World Snooker Tour after completing his 4-1 triumph.
“I didn’t think she was ever going to come over and actually watch me because of her work schedule and stuff.”
“But my friend was going to come anyway and he surprised me today – they were walking down the street this morning and I lay on the street because I couldn’t believe it.
“I was so happy and thought there was no way I was going to give in tonight.
“She’s a good mum, she’s the best mum you could ever wish for, but that puts pressure on you.
“Because if someone has done everything for you, it gives you that extra pressure that you’ve got to make them proud.
“I think against the best it’s the easiest way to push yourself. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to play him (O’Sullivan), so basically when you play him you just want to go for it.
“He is just the ultimate test as he’s the greatest player that’s picked up a cue and ever will, so against him I can’t help myself but give 100%.
“I just try to play how I want to play and how I feel. I’ve never been someone who does something the same all the time, I’m just doing stuff how I feel.
“That’s what you’re going to see for hopefully the next 20 years.”
Ursenbacher will take on Joe O’Connor in the next round of the British Open on Tuesday.
Click here to view the full draw (times in CET)
Featured photo credit: WST
