Neil Robertson has called for a ban on the chalk used by Ronnie O'Sullivan during the World Snooker Championship, claiming that "all the players hate it" and suggesting it causes problems on the baize. O'Sullivan's hopes of a record eighth world title at the Crucible were ended by old rival John Higgins in a 13-12 thriller on Tuesday, with Robertson beating Chris Wakelin in the evening session to set up a meeting with the Scot.
Higgins suffered a notable kick in the deciding frame while potting a red, and subsequently ran out of position on the next black, though held on to knock out O'Sullivan. Chalk marks were also evident during the match on the table. O'Sullivan is one of only a handful of players on the World Snooker Tour (WST) to still use the traditional Triangle Chalk. While almost all players use Taom Chalk, which reduces kicks and leaves no marks on the table, there are no restrictions in events on the type used.
Robertson, though, admitted he was glad to avoid a meeting with the seven-time world champion. "I would prefer to play John so I don't have to contend with the chalk that Ronnie uses, which should be banned from the game," Robertson told the BBC. "I don't know how you are allowed to even use it."
"All the players hate it, it just destroys it. You get kicks, bounces and it makes an absolute mess of the table," he said. "I know he [O'Sullivan] is friends with [artist] Damien Hirst, but it's like he is making artwork with the chalk all over the cloth. I don't think he does it to put off anyone, he is not that way inclined at all. He is about the only player left on tour that uses that chalk - hopefully they bring in a ban."
Robertson, rejuvenated of late, looked in good touch as he beat Wakelin 13-7 to continue his pursuit of a second world title. The Australian triumphed at the Crucible in 2010, though has not reached the final since.
