**Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Unprecedented Mid-Match Equipment Change Stuns Snooker World**
Ronnie O’Sullivan has surprised the snooker community by making an extraordinary decision mid-match during his World Snooker Championship semi-final, opting to visit a local Sheffield shop to alter his cue. This unexpected move, which occurred after the opening session against China’s Zhao Xintong at the Crucible Theatre, has left fans and pundits alike in disbelief.
Despite the tension of the semi-final and a closely matched 4-4 scoreline, O’Sullivan was clearly dissatisfied with his cue’s performance. The seven-time world champion—fondly nicknamed ‘The Rocket’—is attempting to secure his eighth world title, yet his challenge has been notably hampered by ongoing equipment issues throughout the tournament.
O’Sullivan’s troublesome relationship with his cue has been an underlying story of this year’s championship. Earlier in the season, frustration boiled over to the extent that he broke a cue in anger following a series of poor performances, and it appears these concerns have not abated. Despite not competing in any major events since January, O’Sullivan’s determination saw him advance past Si Jiahui 13-9 in the quarter-finals, but his self-assessment remained critical.
After overcoming Si, O’Sullivan was candid about his struggles. He described his form as “awful” and admitted he was “just trying to grind it out,” highlighting a disconnect with his trademark stylish play. The star’s sense of discomfort was further evidenced by urgent mid-tournament adjustments. BBC presenter Hazel Irvine reported, “We knew that Ronnie was playing with a new tip, but immediately afterwards we heard he went to a Sheffield shop to not only change the tip, but the ferrule too—a truly remarkable step in the midst of a semi-final.”
This decision drew commentary from snooker legend Steve Davis, who empathised with the challenges of changing equipment under such pressure. Davis remarked, “If you’ve got problems with your equipment and you change mid-stream, how tough is that? How bad must it have been to need such a drastic measure?” He went on to explain how the ferrule—the metal part just behind the cue tip—plays a crucial role, and that experimenting with different materials for this small component can radically alter a professional’s feel and precision.
Davis added that, despite these technical obstacles, O’Sullivan’s skill and tactical nous have allowed him to remain in contention. “He’s still getting results, which shows just how clever he is—but there’s no doubt he’s playing in unknown territory with his cue right now,” Davis observed.
The 48-year-old champion didn’t shy away from discussing the issue himself. After his quarter-final win, he openly stated, “I’m grinding it out. The cue feels awful, I’m playing awful, and I need a new ferrule.” O’Sullivan also lamented the loss of enjoyment, saying, “I miss the buzz of playing well.” Ever the competitor, he confessed to experimenting with grip and positioning in a bid to find some comfort at the table.
Reflecting on his own matchplay, O’Sullivan noted, “Si played poorly and let me off. I’m just looking forward to each match, trying to keep plugging away.” In a characteristically honest reflection, he added, “I don’t think I can play any worse, but we’ll see. I’ve butchered more shots in this tournament than in years. I’m like a swan on top, but with legs flapping franticly beneath—I’m playing with zero confidence but have to grind it out.”
O’Sullivan’s approach—battling his equipment as much as his opponents—has added an unexpected subplot to the World Championship. It remains to be seen whether these drastic changes will pay off in his pursuit of an unprecedented eighth world crown, but one thing is clear: ‘The Rocket’ never ceases to surprise, even after decades at the top.