2 weeks Ago By Jonathon Moar
ALL eyes were on Ronnie O'Sullivan heading into the World Snooker Championship. And that focus only intensified further when the seven-time champion was drawn against one of his fiercest rivals in the first round. 4 Fierce rivals O'Sullivan and Carter faced-off at the Crucible Credit: Reuters 4 There was an unexpected moment before things got underway Credit: Getty 4 Eagle-eyed Stephen Hendry was on commentary It had been doubtful if O'Sullivan , 49, would even play at the Crucible this year.
In the lead-up to snooker 's biggest event, The Rocket admitted he was feeling burnt out and would make a last gasp decision on whether or not to play. Last week, he delivered the news that all fans were wanting to hear - he was going to play. While there was already plenty of interest and intrigue surrounding O'Sullivan, that only heightened when his first round match-up was confirmed.
READ MORE SPORT SPORT SWITCH McCoist reveals what he's most looking forward to ahead of snooker comms debut FIRM OFFER Football free bets for Rangers and Celtic games PLUS bonuses and sign-up offers He was drawn against bitter rival Ali Carter. It's a feud that came to a head at last year's Masters. They faced-off in the 2024 final at Alexandra Palace and the aftermath saw the now infamous 'snotgate' row explode.
O'Sullivan won 10-7 before a remarkable war of words kicked off. Most read in Snooker WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPS O'Sullivan resuming tense clash against foe Carter, Trump LEADS Zhou SHAKY START Ronnie's 'unusual' gesture to bitter rival before clash spotted on BBC FAMILY PAIN Higgins breaks down in tears and given hug live on BBC after Crucible win EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER I broke down in tears before World Championship opener says Higgins Carter accused O'Sullivan of "snotting all over the floor" durin the match. Raging O'Sullivan fired back with an X-rated rant.
Stephen Hendry 'threw microphone' in ITV commentary box after getting frustrated with snooker star He blasted: "I don't give a f***. You know what he's like, everybody knows what he's like. He's got issues.
"F****** why has he got issues with me? I'm not having it. I don't care, grow some balls. "I don't give a f***.
The more he brings it on, the more I f****** punish him every time. He's just digging a grave for himself. He needs to sort his f****** life out.
" The duo are far from friends, so there was huge intrigue as they both walked out into the Crucible for their hotly anticipated clash. 4 But while many would've been expecting fireworks, it was actually the complete OPPOSITE! Cameras failed to capture the moment the two appeared to bury the hatchet - but commentator Stephen Hendry spotted it with his own eyes. He spotted the bitter rivals partaking in a 'warm' handshake - something very unusual generally for O'Sullivan, let alone against one of his fiercest personal foes.
As the match got underway, Hendry told BBC viewers: "One of the opening exchanges has already happened there, they actually shook hands in the chair. "Not the normal fist bump that Ronnie gives. Actually quite a warm handshake! "That's good to see because we just want to see a classic match on the table.
"It's got all the ingredients of being so." Hendry will no doubt be keeping a close eye on all things O'Sullivan at the tournament. Read more on the Scottish Sun CLOSURE THREAT Thousands of drivers face gridlock chaos as major Scots road could CLOSE FAITH-FULL Scots Line of Duty star joins Celebrity Traitors as full line-up revealed Alongside The Rocket, Hendry holds the record for the most World Snooker Championship titles, with both men on seven.
Given Hendry, 56, is now retired, an eighth triumph for O'Sullivan would see him move out on his own and the Scot unable to hit back. Stephen Hendry career achievements Seven-time World Snooker Champion Youngest-ever winner of World Championship Six-time Masters Champion Five-time UK Championship winner 18 Triple Crown tournament wins 36 ranking titles Nine seasons as World No1 Awarded MBE in 1994 Two-time BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page.
