Why does Ronnie O’Sullivan not shake hands with opponents or referees during snooker matches?

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN is commonly known as the best snooker player of all time.

Rocket has won a record 40 ranking titles, four more than Stephen Hendry, who is in second place.

O'Sullivan was recently named the oldest UK Championship winner ever, 30 years after becoming the youngest, following his 10-7 win against Ding Junhui in December.

Next year, the snooker icon will be hoping to break even more records as he eyes an eighth World Snooker Championship triumph to take him past Hendry for the most World titles in the modern era.

Eagle-eyed fans have noticed while watching O'Sullivan that he appears never to shake his opponents or the referee's hand during snooker matches - but what's the reason behind it?

Why does Ronnie O'Sullivan not shake hands with opponents or referees?

During snooker matches, O'Sullivan opts to fist bump his opponents and referees instead of shaking their hands.

Speaking at the Scottish Open in 2019, Rocket explained the reason behind this, he said: "I’ll admit I’m a bit OCD with germs.

"I don’t open door handles, I always have tissues on door handles, I am a bit OCD like that.

"I have got a bit of a germ thing. It’s easier to do that and I don’t get any germs."

When is the World Snooker Championship 2024?

• The World Snooker Championship 2024 will begin on Saturday, April 20th 2024.
• The tournament will run until Monday, May 6th 2024.
• The Crucible Theatre will play host.