Manchester United and England legend Paul Scholes has opened up about his experience watching Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Crucible Theatre during the World Snooker Championship, stating that it was one of the highlights of his life, even though the match ended quickly.
BBC Apology to Scholes
During the live broadcast of O'Sullivan's first-round match against He Guoqiang, BBC snooker commentator John Parrot apologised to Scholes after the former midfielder's viewing experience was cut short. O'Sullivan, known as 'The Rocket', demolished his opponent in just over 30 minutes, leaving Scholes with only three frames to watch.
Parrot said on air: "A very interested spectator, one of England's greatest midfielders, Paul Scholes, is here today to watch Ronnie. I'm sure he'll be impressed with what he's seen." As O'Sullivan closed in on victory, Parrot added: "Paul Scholes might have enjoyed this but he's only going to see three frames of it. Sorry Paul, this man is just too good."
Scholes' Reaction
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football Podcast, hosted by Paddy McGuinness, Scholes revealed that he had long wanted to watch snooker's greatest player at the iconic venue. He explained how he impulsively bought a ticket online.
"I wanted to go and do it for years, go and watch Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Crucible," said Scholes. "I live an hour away, so on my phone, had a look, see if I buy a ticket - there was one ticket left. It's three seats away from Ronnie - I've clicked on it, 450 quid, and I just thought 'F*** it. I'm doing it'. It's something that I've always wanted to do. I don't really get excited about much stuff, do I?"
He described the experience as "f*****g unbelievable" and one of the best things he has ever done. "He did it in about 45 minutes, got two centuries - absolute genius. It's one of the best things I've ever done in my life, honestly. At one point, I got a bit giddy."
Scholes added that he was on a high for three days after the match and still talks about it. "Watching a genius at work like that, it's unbelievable."
O'Sullivan, who has considered retirement, was ultimately defeated by John Higgins in the quarter-finals of the tournament. However, Scholes' memory of watching the seven-time world champion in action remains undimmed.
