Ronnie O’Sullivan sparked controversy at the World Snooker Championship and a row has broken out, with Stephen Hendry now joining calls for a ban
Seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry has backed calls from Neil Robertson to ban the Triangle Chalk used by Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Crucible this year. O’Sullivan remains amongst a small group still using the conventional chalk, which detractors worry leads to kicks and creates a mess on the table.
O’Sullivan’s preference didn’t sit well with Australian professional Robertson, who voiced his relief that he avoided facing the Rocket at this year’s World Championship. The issue became prominent when the 50 year old met John Higgins in the second round, with Higgins eventually triumphing 13-12 to secure a quarter-final spot against Robertson.
During an episode of Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips, the Scotsman read aloud a query regarding the amount of miscues at this year’s worlds. “That was another big talking point, the chalk – chalk-gate,” he responded.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Grabbing his own chalk from the table to draw a comparison, he went on: “Ronnie using Triangle Chalk when everyone else is using this stuff. Stops kicks, stops bounces, there’s no marks on the cloth.
“Neil Robertson actually called for World Snooker to ban it, which I don’t disagree with if I’m honest. I think it spoils the game as a spectacle.”
“I know John Higgins, when he was playing Ronnie, he was smiling quite a lot – sort of wry smiles. [He was] constantly getting the cue ball cleaned, constantly wiping the table.”
Robertson made his frustrations clear, telling BBC Four: “I do think there’s a slight call, possibly, for it to be banned. But whether they could go down that route, I don’t know.”
Robertson aired his grievances clearly, telling BBC Four: “I would prefer to play John so I don’t have to contend with the chalk that Ronnie uses, which should be banned from the game. I don’t know how you are allowed to even use it.”
A World Snooker Tour spokesperson reiterated the stance that players have a free choice over the chalk they use. However, Robertson – who lost 13-10 to Higgins – pulled no punches when outlining the issues he said he and fellow pros have.
“All the players hate it, it just destroys it. You get kicks, bounces and it makes an absolute mess of the table,” he said after a round of 16 victory over Chris Wakelin.
“I know he (O’Sullivan) is friends with [artist] Damien Hirst, but it’s like he is making artwork with the chalk all over the cloth. I don’t think he does it to put anyone off, he is not that way inclined at all. He is about the only player left on tour that uses that chalk – hopefully they bring in a ban.”
The Rocket is now back in action at the Crucible making his debut in the World Seniors Championship. The rules – which previously prevented players in the top 64 in the world rankings from featuring – have been changed, paving the way for his inclusion.