Ronnie O’Sullivan prepares for life after snooker
Ronnie O’Sullivan has been quietly preparing for life after snooker, it turns out. Pool legend Chris Melling has revealed that the snooker great got in touch with him around four to five months ago, keen to arrange a practice session together, reports BritPanorama.
Melling, who spoke during the UK Open Pool Championship this week, shared that O’Sullivan reached out to him, asking for a game that would include both Chinese pool and American pool. This interest indicates O’Sullivan’s serious consideration of expanding his cue sports horizons.
As the first player to compete professionally across snooker, eight-ball, and nine-ball pool simultaneously, Melling understands the challenges faced by snooker players transitioning to other cue sports. He explained, “He obviously knows that there’s more to it than just potting balls.” The complexities of the game, such as jump shots, break shots, and tactical play, are areas where snooker players may need additional practice.
Melling emphasized that while snooker players excel at sinking balls, mastering the specialist techniques required in pool styles will take time. “The other parts of the game they’re not going to be as good, just because of lack of experience,” he remarked, acknowledging that improvement would come with exposure and practice.
O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, has not hidden his plans for life after snooker. His focus is firmly on conquering Chinese eight-ball, a format widely popular in Asia. “Chinese eight-ball is very, very popular now in China,” O’Sullivan said last year, outlining his aspirations for when he eventually retires from snooker.
He noted that he aims to compete seriously, stating, “When I retire from snooker, I want to become world champion in Chinese eight-ball.” This game utilizes a table similar to snooker but follows English pool rules, demanding a higher level of precision on each shot.
Although O’Sullivan and Melling have not yet played together, scheduling conflicts have hindered their plans. “I haven’t, no, because he’s been over in Dubai and then he was in Hong Kong, and then obviously playing a lot of snooker,” Melling explained, expressing hope that they will eventually find time to practice together.
Melling described O’Sullivan as “one of my heroes” and recognized his standing as “the greatest player that’s ever played snooker.” As O’Sullivan transitions into new ventures beyond snooker, the world of cue sports will watch closely to see how this iconic figure adapts to new challenges.
