Almost inevitably the arrival of world champion and former German Masters winner Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Tempodrom caused one of the biggest stirs of the pre-weekend phase of the tournament. The Rocket failed to qualify after a defeat in Barnsley to Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh that saw him accused of some reckless shots, and left organisers underwhelmed. A large quantity of O’Sullivan branded merchandise and copies of his recent autobiography ‘Running’ translated into German had been produced for this event and forthcoming exhibitions, and there was a danger of it not being shifted from the ‘Ronnie Shop’ and most being consigned to a Berlin lock-up garage or other place of rest. But after some wheeling and dealing O’Sullivan travelled out regardless and did three sets of book-signing and photos with wildly enthusiastic fans, two at the venue and one at the nearby players’ hotel.