Seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry has backed calls from Neil Robertson to prohibit the Triangle Chalk used by Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Crucible this year. O’Sullivan remains one of the few professionals still using the traditional chalk, which critics fear causes kicks and leaves the table in an untidy state.
O’Sullivan’s preference did not sit well with Australian ace Robertson, who voiced his relief at avoiding the Rocket during this year’s World Championship. The issue came into sharp focus when the 50-year-old faced John Higgins in the second round, with Higgins eventually winning 13-12 to set up a quarter-final clash against Robertson.
During an episode of Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips, the Scot responded to a question regarding the number of miscues at this year’s worlds. “That was another big talking point, the chalk – chalk-gate,” he replied.
Picking up his own chalk from the table to draw a comparison, he continued: “Ronnie using Triangle Chalk when everyone else is using this stuff. Stops kicks, stops bounces, there’s no marks on the cloth.
“Neil Robertson actually called for World Snooker to ban it, which I don’t disagree with if I’m honest. I think it spoils the game as a spectacle.
“I know John Higgins, when he was playing Ronnie, he was smiling quite a lot – sort of wry smiles. [He was] constantly getting the cue ball cleaned, constantly wiping the table.”
A World Snooker Tour spokesperson reiterated the stance that players have a free choice over the chalk they use. However, Robertson, who lost 13-10 to Higgins, pulled no punches when outlining the issues he said he and fellow pros have.
Robertson made his frustrations clear, telling BBC Four: “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. 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 after a round of 16 victory over Chris Wakelin.
“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 anyone off, 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.”
The Rocket has now returned to action at the Crucible, making his bow in the World Seniors Championship. The regulations — which previously barred players ranked inside the top 64 in the world from taking part — have been revised, opening the door for his participation.