Ronnie O’Sullivan could face women’s world No1 in historic snooker showdown in next match after English Open shock

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN’S next match is set to be against the record-breaking women’s world No1.

The Rocket has not been at the table since his first round shock loss to He Guoqiang at the English Open on September 17.

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Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to be next back in action in November[/caption]

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O’Sullivan was going to play in the British Open and Wuhan Open after the defeat – only to pull out of both tournaments for medical reasons.

The 48-year-old’s calendar sees him head to Belfast next for the Northern Ireland Open.

But reports say organisers are expecting him to withdraw from this event too.

O’Sullivan‘s long-awaited comeback would then be at the International Championships in China.

The draw has already been done for the tournament that gets underway on November 3 and the legend will face Mink Nutcharut.

She is the current women’s No1 and the only ever female to record a 147.

The 24-year-old star from Thailand recorded her first ever World Snooker Tour win at the Saudi Arabia Masters when she beat Kusai Hamed earlier this year.

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It will be the first time O’Sullivan has ever played against a woman.

Nutcharut shot to fame two years again when she won a mixed doubles title alongside Neil Robertson.

On the difference between men and women in snooker, Nutcharut said: “There are some elements of strength involved – such as the force behind a strike.

“But I think that with practice, it’s very possible for women to dominate over men in snooker and that’s exciting.”