Ronnie O'Sullivan's Fiery Temperament Sparks Three-Year Feud with Snooker Rival
Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan, known for his volatile on-table behaviour, was once embroiled in a bitter three-year dispute with fellow legend Stephen Hendry. The rift began when O'Sullivan dramatically walked out of a UK Championship quarter-final match against Hendry in 2006, leaving the snooker world stunned.
The Infamous Walkout That Shattered a Friendship
During their 2006 clash, O'Sullivan was trailing 4-0 to Hendry when he abruptly packed his cue and exited the venue. This shocking incident not only surprised spectators but deeply offended Hendry, who subsequently refused to speak to O'Sullivan for three years. In a 2010 interview, O'Sullivan revealed, "After I walked last time Stephen - who is one of my heroes - fell out with me and didn't talk to me for about three years."
Reconciliation and Mutual Respect Restored
Fortunately, the two snooker greats eventually reconciled their differences. O'Sullivan explained they now maintain regular contact, stating, "We're talking again now and text each other a lot, so there's mutual respect." More than a decade later, they revisited the incident on Hendry's YouTube channel, where O'Sullivan admitted personal turmoil contributed to his walkout, saying, "I had a lot going on off the table at home, and I wasn't in the right frame of mind to play."
O'Sullivan's Candid Admission About His Current Form
Demonstrating his characteristic honesty, the seven-time world champion recently confessed to struggling with his game. After being eliminated from the World Grand Prix by Xiao Guodong, O'Sullivan admitted, "I'm just not a very good player anymore." He has scaled back his tournament schedule to manage his career's twilight years, adding, "I have to accept [I'm not as good as I was] and find a way to keep playing without it driving me crazy."
Despite his self-critical assessment, O'Sullivan maintains a deep affection for Hendry, calling him "the greatest snooker player of all time." Their feud, now resolved, remains a notable chapter in snooker history, highlighting the intense pressures and personal dynamics within professional sports.
