Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan keeps World Open rival waiting after bizarrely taking SHOES off during frame

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN delayed his match against Alfie Burden by taking his trainers off mid-frame.

The world number one was back in action in a World Open qualifying match - days after winning the Grand Prix.

O'Sullivan is on a winning streak having also tasted victory at The Masters, but he found Burden a tricky opponent.

The 98th seed levelled the score at two frames all with a break of 61 at the Barnsley Metrodome on Tuesday.

And while he cleared up O'Sullivan, 48, bizarrely took his footwear off as he watched on from his seat.

O'Sullivan then caused a delay to the match as he put his trainers back on ahead of the fifth frame.

The Rocket went on to win 5-3, potting a brilliant double to seal his final frame and the match.

Most snooker players wear dress shoes during matches but O'Sullivan was granted special permission by the World Snooker Tour to wear trainers last year.

He suffers from plantar fasciitis which causes him pain when walking and standing - which trainers help to alleviate.

O'Sullivan explained: "I’ve got plantar fasciitis which is, the easiest way to explain it is, it’s like a bruise on your heel.

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"So when you put your foot down, it’s really sore. Leather-soled shoes just absolutely batter my feet to pieces.

"So I've had to resort to getting some really big old soles on them, just to sort of give my foot a rest, basically."