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Respect to Ronnie

by Alex Trickett - BBC Sport (U1647736) 22 January 2007

Much is written about the negative side of Ronnie O'Sullivan - how he quits (mentally or physically) during some tough matches, how he fails to talk to the press and how he lacks respect for the game that made him a star.

But "The Rocket" deserves credit for his impeccable display during the Masters final against Ding Junhui.

Sure, he played brilliantly, notching four centuries and a couple of 90-plus breaks in a 10-3 victory.

But what impressed me more was the way that O'Sullivan conducted himself in the bear pit, which was Wembley Arena.

Over the years, Wembley crowds have always rallied behind their favourite sons - Alex Higgins, Jimmy White, Paul Hunter and O'Sullivan. And, while generating a superb atmosphere, their partisan treatment has been known to unhinge opposing players.

Ding, 19, was well and truly rattled by comments from the crowd (as well as by O'Sullivan's sparkling play) and almost threw in the towel.

But O'Sullivan (who himself walked out against Stephen Hendry in December) showed empathy and understanding when he put his arm around Ding and led him towards the dressing rooms to re-group.

When the players re-emerged for the final frame of the match, O'Sullivan took it upon himself to try to control the few unruly elements of the boisterous Arena.

And, after wrapping up his win, Ronnie went straight to tearful Ding, gave him a hug and presumably told the great Chinese talent not to take his first experience of a Wembley final to heart.

He then told Steve Davis in his post-match interview that Ding would be a multiple world champion and found time to give a mention to the late Paul Hunter, prompting big cheers from the Arena.

Make no mistake, Ronnie's display on the green baize was masterful. But on Sunday, so too was his display away from it.

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comment by U7299820 - banned alt id 5 (U7299820)

posted Feb 28, 2007

I don't think Ronnie should have even been allowed to play at Wembley after his behaviour at the UK. Snooker is in trouble if the powers to be think they need this disrespectful person playing their game.

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comment by Roxypuss (U6054070)

posted Feb 28, 2007

Allowances have been made for Ronnie's illness; Bipolar Disorder which is a form of manic depression. No doubt you will slate him for this, but please show some humanity and empathy.

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comment by U7299820 - banned alt id 5 (U7299820)

posted Feb 28, 2007

Show some humanity and empathy? Maybe for someone deserving. Certainly not that actor. Ronnie has nothing wrong with him that a couple of years helping others in a third world country wouldn't solve. Get in the real world will you. Are you really that blinkered?

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comment by Roxypuss (U6054070)

posted Feb 28, 2007

Thought as much: IGNORANT

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comment by U7299820 - banned alt id 5 (U7299820)

posted Feb 28, 2007

Roxy; You remind me of someone who eats Mcdonalds every night whilst watching Eastenders. Enough said I think!

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comment by Roxypuss (U6054070)

posted Feb 28, 2007

Don't watch Enders, never have never will,no ranti, think Liz Hurley.

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comment by U7299820 - banned alt id 5 (U7299820)

posted Feb 28, 2007

Liz ain't bad. Don't waste yourself on Ronnie. He's hardly George Clooney!

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comment by irishsarah (U7842522)

posted Mar 19, 2007

I can't believe what I'm reading, Ronnie O'Sullivan is not disrespectful or unprofessional, he is a genius at what he does, he is a world class player and as with most people with extraordinary talents his mind can be tortured. He has the right to walk away from any game if its the right thing for him to do at the time. Ronnie owes you nothing, he plays for the love of the game, not the fame. Consider it an honour to watch talent like that play. Snooker is a gentleman's sport Rantin, doesn't look like you qualify to give your opinion. And lastly...give me The Rocket over Clooney any day. RESPECT TO RONNIE!!

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comment by bhamgills (U2218150)

posted Mar 20, 2007

Rantin, your comment is an absolute disgrace and I hope in the time since you published it that you have come to realise this.

To belittle anyone because of an illness, whether physical or mental, is something that should belong in the past.

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