The world of snooker is one that even the most seasoned fans can’t always understand well. Some say that snooker is like chess with balls, and there is certainly some truth to that comparison. It’s a game of nerves, skill and some chance. It can be a boring and attractive sport at the same time. Anyone who has ever tried to replicate some of those crazy shots at their local pub will tell you it’s not as easy as it looks. However, it’s the unpredictability that can make it so compelling. Here is a look at some of the most improbable moments in snooker history.
Ronnie O’Sullivan Refusing the Maximum
Ronnie O’Sullivan, also known as “The Rocket,” decided not to go for the maximum break at the 2016 Welsh Open, settling for a 146 instead of a 147. Apparently, he wasn’t impressed with the prize money, saying that “certain things have value, and a 147 is a special moment. I want it to feel special all round.” He even added that he doesn’t mind attempting 147 again if the prize money matches the effort.
It’s not every day that you see someone pass up perfection, especially not a high-profile athlete. Some observers even think this was disrespectful to the opponent and the game. In any case, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s career after the 1990s took a pretty controversial turn, and this whole article could very well be just about him.
An Outsider Beating Steve Davis
Steve Davis once dominated snooker like he invented the sport. When the 1986 World Snooker Championship started, everyone in the audience was probably thinking, “There’s no way this Joe Johnson bloke has got a chance.” But against all odds, he started potting ball after ball.
This surprising performance came at a time when snooker was living its days under the spotlight (remember the 1985 World Snooker Championship that was watched by 18.5 million people)? After the initial shocker, you’d reckon Davis would rally back, but he seemed thrown off his game. Johnson clinched it, and it was all over the headlines. Sometimes it is hard to say if underdogs really triumph or if the favourites just have an “off” day.
Snowboating
Alain Robidoux, the Canadian snooker ace, wasn’t exactly over the moon during the ’96 World Championship when Ronnie O’Sullivan started playing left-handed against him. Robidoux said changing hands would be appropriate for an exhibition but not a professional match. Maybe he felt his honor was tarnished, or perhaps he just had a bee in his bonnet that day.
Snooker is a game of mind as much as skill, but both players were wrong for refusing to shake hands before and after the match.
John Higgins and the Allegations
Sometimes, the most improbable moments of snooker don’t even happen at the table, and this was the case for what is perhaps one of the most controversial moments in snooker history.
The “Wizard of Wishaw” faced some allegations back in 2010 that stirred the snooker community. During a meeting in Kyiv, it was claimed that he agreed to influence match outcomes for money. It was quite the talk of the town, and people had plenty to say. Until that point, John Higgins was quite possibly the least controversial figure in snooker. The media coverage was intense as well, with many different takes on what happened. Ultimately, he ended up being suspended for six months, but this moment of his career will forever chase him.
Playing the Game…Too Slowly?
Peter Ebdon, a fellow with a penchant for taking his time, made quite the stir during the 2005 World Championship. People who watched the match said every shot felt like an eternity. This deliberately slow pace left some spectators irritated, including his opponent Ronnie O’Sullivan, who said the match was “the most painful experience of my snooker career.”
Some would say all of that was strategic, while others thought it was just plain tedious. Perhaps patience is a virtue we’ve all but forgotten. Then again, perhaps he overdid it to some extent. Ultimately, some appreciated his effort and dedication, which allowed him to fight his way from 8-2 to 13-11.