The cue expert who made major alterations to Ronnie O’Sullivan’s equipment during his Crucible semi-final against Zhao Xintong has hailed the snooker legend’s conduct
The cue expert who performed emergency surgery on Ronnie O’Sullivan’s equipment at the World Championship has hailed the snooker icon’s generosity. The seven-time world champion made the shock decision to have both his tip and ferrule (the metal sleeve that the tip sits on) replaced during his semi-final against Zhao Xintong.
The drastic move surprised many, including Martin Chesworth of Chesworth Cues in Sheffield, who was at the barbers when he received a call from the Rocket. After initially having reservations, Chesworth, who has been in the cuemaking business for 35 years, decided to take on the job.
“He sounded a bit anxious,” said Chesworth. “He was adamant he wanted it changing. He wanted the titanium ferrule off and a brass ferrule putting on. I stayed back after the work and did the job. I put him a decent tip on as well. I then dropped it round to where he was staying.”
Chesworth, who had worked on O’Sullivan’s equipment before, described the Rocket as the perfect customer, praising the Essex potter’s manners and friendliness. He added: “He said, ‘Do you want to have some tea with us while you’re here?’ I couldn’t stay because I had other things to do.
“But I had a glass of water with him and we had a good chat about tips. He always asks about those things. He’s very easy to get along with, very genuine, appreciative and very generous, so he’s got some lovely qualities.
“I got a text later on from him and he said, ‘It’s better.’ I just wished him well and that was the last I heard from him. When I’ve done jobs for him in the past, he’s always been friendly, upbeat and genuine. What more could you ask for from a customer?”
While O’Sullivan was left happier with his cue, his fortunes didn’t improve. After being locked at 4-4 after the first session, the Rocket lost eight frames in a row on Friday morning before Zhao completed a 17-7 win with a session to spare.
The defeat led to question marks over the Rocket’s decision to make changes to his cue in the middle of semi-final. Chesworth has come in for some criticism himself for agreeing to perform the work, but said: “I’m not the player, I’m only the bloke who who did the job.
“People have said, ‘Why did you change it for him?’ But he’s grown up, he’s 49 years old. What am I supposed to do, say I’m not doing it and he goes somewhere else, knowing full well I can do that job?
“I was on a hiding to nothing. I was damned if I did and damned if I didn’t. If he’d won the World Championship this week, it would have been, ‘Isn’t Ronnie a great player.’ When he loses, they blame the ferrule!
“If I didn’t do it, someone else would have. Anyone who makes cues would love the opportunity to work on Ronnie O’Sullivan’s.”
Chesworth has done work for numerous top players, including Zhao, who practises at the nearby Victoria’s Snooker Academy.
