### Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Chalk Choice Sparks Controversy at World Snooker Championship
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s decision to stick with traditional Triangle chalk at this year’s World Snooker Championship has prompted a wave of frustration and debate amongst fellow professionals, some of whom have labelled the move a “nightmare” for the sport.
While the majority of modern snooker players have switched to the newer TAOM chalk, valued for producing fewer table marks and reducing instances of the dreaded ‘kick’, O’Sullivan—alongside Belgian star Luca Brecel—remains steadfast in his loyalty to the classic brand. This controversial choice has not gone unnoticed, especially as matches progress deep into the tournament.
Scottish snooker legend John Higgins, a four-time World Champion himself, vocalised his displeasure following his second-round victory over Xiao Guodong, attributing a critical ‘kick’ during play to the residue left by Triangle chalk. Speaking to BBC Sport, Higgins lamented, “Do you know why I got a kick? Because Luca was on previously. Luca doesn’t use the [TAOM] chalk. They brushed [the table], but it’s still really messy. It’s difficult when you play guys like Ronnie and Luca, and they’re using the Triangle chalk. It’s a bit of a nightmare.”
The debate drew further comment from Stephen Hendry, another titan of the game and joint record holder with O’Sullivan for seven world titles. Hendry told BBC Sport: “I know it’s an irritation for all the other players that Ronnie continues to use the old chalk that does give bad contacts and bounces off the cushion. Luca Brecel is the other player who uses it. I know from speaking to all the other players it does get very annoying. Because the table starts to play a little bit heavier. Kicks become a factor, cushions become a bit unpredictable, so it’s something that Si Jiahui has got to be patient with.”
Frustration is not limited to off-the-cuff remarks. Stuart Bingham, another former world champion, openly admitted he had raised the issue directly with O’Sullivan during a studio discussion. Bingham shared, “I saw Ronnie in the Eurosport studio and I said: ‘It’s these club players that use Triangle Chalk…!’ You see at the worlds, the table plays nicely, and then you follow someone like Ronnie or Luca and the table conditions play totally differently. It’s up to them what they do.”
Despite widespread disapproval, O’Sullivan’s personal record speaks volumes. With seven world championship titles to his name, he clearly sees no need for change. “Ronnie has won seven world titles using that, so why not? Luca obviously won the worlds with it. The new Taom Chalk is great, it has revolutionised the game. It has made a hell of a difference to the conditions,” Bingham conceded, albeit reluctantly.
O’Sullivan, often candid about his views, remains unapologetic. When questioned about his fondness for Triangle by TNT Sports earlier this season, he stated, “Why do I not use the round chalk? Because I don’t believe in it. I believe this [Triangle] is the king of all chalks. This you can buy a piece for maybe 20p, the other stuff 15 quid. I just don’t like it. I think this is still the best stuff.”
Having advanced confidently to the quarter-finals with victories against Ali Carter and Pang Junxu, O’Sullivan led Si Jiahui 6-2 after the first session, yet he was characteristically self-critical about his form. Reflecting on his performance, he said: “I need game time and I’m trying to get my game back. I don’t mind who I play as long as I play my game. It’s irrelevant who is sitting in the chair, I always back myself if I can play somewhere near my best level. I’m not sure I’m close to that but it can click at any time. Pot one ball at a time. That feels hard for me to approach the game like that, but that’s where I’m at and have to just keep going.”
The debate over chalk is resting alongside snooker’s age-old traditions, raising questions about personal choice versus collective responsibility in a sport where marginal gains and minute details matter so much. Whether O’Sullivan’s preference leads to further friction or simply becomes another quirk of the game’s most decorated player remains to be seen. As the championship plays out, fans and professionals alike will be watching both his cue and his chalk.