RONBELIEVABLE
Watch snooker icons Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins receive standing ovation ahead of semi-final showdown
SNOOKER legends Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins received a standing ovation at the Crucible ahead of their mouth-watering Betfred World Snooker Championship semi-final.
The middle-aged potters – who have won 10 world titles between them – walked out to a cacophony of noise and sound ahead of their highly-anticipated opening session in Sheffield.
2
2
The punters in this 980-seater theatre were whipped into a frenzy this evening by MC Rob Walker who welcomed the pair to the action in the one-table set-up.
Just like he did at the Masters in January when Higgins faced Mark Williams, Walker gave the Class of 92 stars a brilliant opening address, in respect of their achievements in this sport.
Respected BBC broadcaster Walker said: “Sometimes there is a sporting contest so good, so utterly captivating, that it needs no hype or exaggeration.
“These two men have achieved more than any other in the sport.
Read More in Sport
“Two all-time greats going head-to-head for a place in the final.
“And the Crucible crowd are ready to rise to acknowledge the Class of 92.”
This is the sixth time the pair have clashed cues at world level in a rivalry that encompassed four different decades.
The first occasion was in 1996 and they famously met in the 2001 world final when O’Sullivan prevailed 18-14 for his maiden triumph.
Most read in Other Sports
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
BBC commentator John Virgo knew he has seen something special and said: “Yes, it’s the Crucible Theatre at his absolute best.
“The atmosphere and the match – does it get any better than this in snooker?”
Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world snooker champion, said: “Goodness me, what an ovation that was.”
O’Sullivan, 46, is aiming to win a record-equalling seventh world title over the Bank Holiday weekend.
But he will have to negotiate four sessions in three days against old foe Higgins, 46, who is a four-time world champion.
Read More on The Sun
The BBC have today announced they will be extending their TV deal to broadcast the annual Triple Crown events – the Masters, the world championship and the UK Championship – until 2027.
That year represents the centenary year of the first world snooker championship.
Topics