Ronnie O'Sullivan has stormed into the final of the World Seniors Championship in his debut year at the tournament, having taken the competition by storm at the Crucible. The 50-year-old, who was knocked out of the 2026 World Championship at the same venue by John Higgins last month, has enjoyed considerably greater fortune in the over-40s game.
O'Sullivan cruised to a 4-1 victory over Ken Doherty in his opening match before defeating Peter Lines 4-2 to secure his place in the semi-finals. There, he claimed a 7-5 victory over Robert Milkins to book his spot in the final, where he will face Joe Perry on Sunday afternoon in a best-of-19 frames contest. Perry has equally earned his place in the showdown off the back of wins over Aaron Canavan, Matthew Stevens, and Craig Steadman. However, it is not solely the action on the table that has grabbed the headlines this week, as several controversies have emerged.
Stephen Hendry Declines to Defend Ronnie O'Sullivan
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has backed Neil Robertson's calls to prohibit the Triangle Chalk that was used by O'Sullivan at the Crucible this year. The Englishman was among a small number of players using the traditional chalk, which critics argue causes kicks and damages the table. During an episode of his Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips YouTube show, the Scot shared his thoughts on the chalk, saying: "That was another big talking point, the chalk - chalk-gate." Holding up his own chalk for comparison, he continued: "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."
Hendry added: "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. 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."
Milkins Admits 'Disrespect'
Robert Milkins confessed that he had "disrespected" snooker for far too long after being eliminated from the World Seniors Championship by O'Sullivan. The Rocket had to fight hard for his place in the final against the Milkman, who held leads of 3-2, 4-3, and 5-4 at various stages in the best-of-13 frames. Nevertheless, O'Sullivan ultimately secured a 7-5 victory to progress. Reflecting on his relaxed attitude towards the game afterwards, Milkins said: "I've disrespected the game for too long. I was struggling to get back into it. There are signs of playing well but I just missed too many easy balls. It will come but I've got to put a couple of weeks in now before Q School." He continued: "Ronnie scares the hell out of me always. I respect Ron. No other player does that to me. It is bad enough playing him when you are playing well. But when you are struggling, you've got no chance."
Defending Champion 'Should Have Refused to Play'
Alfie Burden has argued he ought to have refused to compete when his opening fixture at the World Seniors Championship was relocated to the practice room. The reigning champion was "heartbroken" by an issue with one of the match tables which resulted in his clash with Igor Figueredo on Thursday being staged backstage. Burden ultimately suffered a 4-0 defeat, meaning he was denied the opportunity to defend his crown in front of spectators at the Crucible. His friends and family were permitted to attend, however. Writing on social media following his elimination, Burden wrote: "To say I'm disappointed would be a huge understatement, don't remember feeling this low after a snooker event... I wasn't in the mental state of mind to play that match in a practice room to be honest. I was in a state of shock at what was unfolding. Literally heartbroken."
He also revealed on Saturday that his appeal to delay the match until Friday so it could take place in the main arena was rejected. He added: "Can I make it perfectly clear I wasn't given an option to play my match in the morning. I asked [if] could I play the next morning [and] was flatly refused. Was told I had to play in the cupboard. [Dominic] Dale [and] Stevens was given a choice, I wasn't and I should have refused to play."
