Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan’s early exit from the UK Championship has sparked debate about his choice of equipment, with fellow professional Shaun Murphy questioning his continued use of Triangle chalk.
O’Sullivan suffered a surprising 6-4 defeat to Barry Hawkins in the first round in York last week.
The seven-time world champion has stood by his preference for Triangle chalk, despite most professional players switching to the newer Taom brand.
Murphy has suggested that O’Sullivan’s equipment choice may have contributed to his unexpected loss.
Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan’s early exit from the UK Championship has sparked debate about his choice of equipment, with fellow professional Shaun Murphy questioning his continued use of Triangle chalk
PA
The alternative Taom chalk is widely regarded as superior for preventing technical issues such as kicks and miscues.
Speaking to SportsBoom, Murphy expressed his bewilderment at some players’ equipment choices.
“I’ve absolutely no idea why some players still use what is obviously a bit of a spoiler,” he said.
JUST IN: Snooker row erupts at UK Championships as Steve Davis makes urgent demand to tournament bosses
Snooker star Shaun Murphy feels Ronnie O’Sullivan shot himself in the foot with his choice of chalk at the UK Championship
PA
Murphy acknowledged that enforcing chalk choices would be problematic for the sport’s governing body.
“I think it would be very hard for the governing body to insist that all players use a particular brand of chalk. It’s an accessory,” he explained.
He added that such regulations could lead to further restrictions: “They’d be telling us what tips and cues to use next. I don’t think that could happen. It is completely personal choice.”
READ MORE: ‘Roy Keane put me in a headlock after I insulted him – I was nearly choked out’
This is not the first time O’Sullivan’s chalk choice has faced criticism from fellow professionals.
John Higgins previously urged O’Sullivan to “get rid of that Triangle chalk” after defeating him 6-5 at the English Open in 2021.
Speaking on Eurosport at the time, Higgins said: “It felt like everything for him was a kicky shot. He says it is the tip, but it is the striking of the cue ball.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Higgins further observed: “You can hear it on every shot. I was sitting and watching and he was kicking every single shot. He says he loves his Triangle.”
Murphy will face Hawkins, who eliminated O’Sullivan, in the UK Championship quarter-final.
This follows Murphy’s victory over David Gilbert in their last-16 match on Wednesday.
Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan lost to Barry Hawkins at the UK Championship last week
PA
Meanwhile, O’Sullivan has moved to the commentary box following his early departure from the tournament.
The 48-year-old has been working for Eurosport, providing unique insight into the competition in the process.