Welsh Open champ who upset Ronnie O’Sullivan almost quit snooker after breakdown
A former Welsh Open champion has gone through some tough times since shocking the great Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final
A Welsh Open champion nearly walked away from snooker after pulling off one of the sport’s most sensational upsets against Ronnie O’Sullivan. Jordan Brown shocked the Rocket in the final of the 2021 tournament at Celtic Manor, Newport.
The Northern Irishman, ranked 81st in the world at the time, clinched a deciding frame to become the lowest-ranked player in 28 years to lift a ranking title. O’Sullivan was generous in his praise for Brown after the match, saying: “Jordan is a great guy and I’m so happy for him to win. I played all right and not many people beat me when I play all right, but I couldn’t be happier for him.”
However, the victory failed to spark a winning streak for Brown and, five years on, it remains his sole ranking title. His form actually took a turn for the worse, to the point where he contemplated quitting the game altogether after enduring an “extreme low” during the 2024/25 season.
Brown told Metro last July: “Last season was by far the worst I’ve ever experienced. I went through a very difficult time on and off the table.
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“You’re questioning your future in the game, because I had so many bad performances last year, so many bad results. I don’t think I got past the second round, and it’s hard to take. “
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Brown disclosed he experienced “a bit of a mental breakdown” around Christmas 2024, during which he questioned his future in the sport. He added: “Honestly, I considered not carrying on, getting a job, because things got that bad.
“It was an extreme low, the lowest point of my career. It takes a toll on your mental health when you’re not winning, you’re not earning enough money to cover bills and expenses, and you’re having to rely on family.
“It’s not a nice position to be in. Thankfully, I’ve got a good family around me, I’ve got good friends around me, who have helped me through the difficult times.”
In an attempt to reverse his fortunes, Brown began working with player-turned-coach Fergal O’Brien, and his form has improved this season. The 38-year-old progressed to the quarter-finals of the Northern Ireland Open, defeating world champion Zhao Xintong and Shaun Murphy en route.
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He is fighting to keep his tour card and currently sits 66th on the provisional ranking list. Players finishing outside the top 64 at the season’s end forfeit their tour cards and must navigate the gruelling Q-School process to reclaim them.
Brown failed to qualify for the 2026 Welsh Open after falling to Gao Yang in the qualifying rounds. The tournament wraps up with the final on Sunday.
