Snooker Legend Calls for Ban on Ronnie O'Sullivan's Old Cue Chalk, Citing Outdated and Dirty Equipment

Former world snooker champion Neil Robertson has called for a ban on the cue chalk used by legendary snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan, stating that most players "hate it" and it "makes the table dirty and messy."

The chalk issue arose during a match where John Higgins defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan 13-12 in the World Snooker Championship Round of 16. During the match, Higgins encountered problems while shooting, with the cue ball not traveling in the intended direction. Despite pocketing the red ball successfully, the white ball positioning was unfavorable. This occurred because O'Sullivan continues to use the old Triangle brand chalk, which leaves marks on the felt, while most snooker players use the modern Taom brand chalk, which reduces "miscues" (unintended contact) and leaves no residue on the table. However, there is currently no rule against this chalk in professional snooker, meaning O'Sullivan has not violated any regulations.

Robertson, who faces Higgins in the quarterfinals, expressed relief at not facing O'Sullivan due to the chalk issue. "I'd rather play John because I won't have to deal with the chalk Ronnie uses, which should be banned from the sport entirely. I don't understand how they allow it. No professional would ever allow anyone to use Triangle chalk on their own table," Robertson stated.

The 2010 world champion elaborated: "Every player hates it. It ruins the game. It causes miscues, makes balls jump, and dirties the table considerably. I know Ronnie is friends with artist Damien Hirst, but it's like he's creating artwork with chalk on the felt. I don't think he's trying to upset anyone—he's not that type of person—but he's almost the last person on the tour still using this chalk. I hope they announce a ban eventually."

Robertson also noted that he doesn't even allow practice partners to use this type of chalk. "This is something that should be discussed because it ruins the game and is unfair to other players. Shaun Murphy and I would like to see it disappear altogether," he said, jokingly referring to the incident as "Chalkgate." He noted that several snooker clubs have already banned it because it damages the felt.

Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry weighed in on the issue, saying: "Ronnie uses very old chalk that leaves heavy marks on the table, both on the cloth and along the rails. When the ball hits these marks, it can cause unpredictable bounces. The table feels heavier than normal, which other players aren't accustomed to because everyone uses modern chalk that doesn't leave marks and doesn't cause miscues. Recently, new chalk technology has come out that significantly reduces contact errors. Almost everyone has switched to it because it's superior. You don't have to wipe the cue ball as often, it leaves no residue, but Ronnie chooses to use the old chalk he's familiar with."