Ronnie O’Sullivan suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on BBC in World Snooker Championship opener at Crucible
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction during his World Snooker Championship opener against Jackson Page.
The Rocket saw his outfit get in his way as he took an early lead over Page.
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O’Sullivan was cruising past his opponent with 70 points pocketed in the first frame when he had to disrupt his flow due to a problem with his shirt.
The 48-year-old appeared to have the button on the cuff of his shirt pop open and had to briefly pause play in order to roll up the sleeve and get it out of his way.
He began tinkering with his cuff to allow himself to refocus on his game, but was swapping between having the shirt rolled up and left down throughout the rest of the first couple frames.
Although the normally small change to an outfit would be considered irrelevant to many, snooker is a game of fine margins that requires total concentration.
The smallest change can throw a player off and cause immense frustration with the mental side of snooker such a vital part of being successful.
O’Sullivan himself has openly discussed the mental toll that the sport has had on him and has previously called for doctors to be available for all players at events to help them in times of need.
Speaking in February, he said: “You can play with a broken foot, a broken arm, but if your head’s bad you can forget trying to play this game,
“Sometimes you might get away with it but temperament is everything.
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“The game gets to all of us. It’s the most frustrating game on the planet without a doubt.”
The seven-time world champion added: “You’d do well to get a doctor in for every tournament,
“Have his little surgery around the corner and any player that felt like they were in a bad place could go in there for 10 or 15 minutes.
“Sometimes that’s all you need, someone who knows what you’re going through, who understands the difficulties of the game.
“Get it off your chest, it wasn’t that bad, let’s go again tomorrow. I have full respect for this game and the players who plays it.”
O’Sullivan has full focus on winning a record eighth World Championship for the time being as he looks to impress once again at the Crucible.
It’s been an expected strong start for the star who has been quick out of the blocks against Page in his opening clash and looks likely to finish the first session with a comfortable lead.
Inside Ronnie's colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
Check out all our Ronnie O’Sullivan articles here.