Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Ronnie O'Sullivan led 8-3 and 9-4 but lost 13-12 in an epic last-16 tie against John Higgins
CommentsFormer world champion Neil Robertson has called for a controversial chalk used by Ronnie O'Sullivan to be banned, saying most other players "hate it" and that it "makes an absolute mess of the table".
O'Sullivan, 50, is one of only a handful of players on the World Snooker Tour (WST) to still use the traditional Triangle Chalk.
Critics say it causes more poor contacts, leading to 'kicks' when the cue ball hits the object ball, often resulting in players running out of position or missing pots.
Almost all players use Taom Chalk, which reduces kicks and leaves no marks on the table.
There are currently no restrictions in place on what chalks can be used in WST events so O'Sullivan, who lost a thrilling last-16 tie 13-12 to John Higgins earlier on Monday, has not done anything against the sport's rules.
However, there was a noticeable kick in the deciding frame when the Scot was taking a shot on a red.
He could be heard saying "oh my god" when the cue ball did not run through as expected. That red was potted, but, out of position, Higgins then missed the following black, although it did not prove crucial as he sealed an incredible victory, having trailed 8-3 and 9-4.
Robertson won 13-7 in his last-16 match against Chris Wakelin to set up a meeting with Higgins, with the Australian pleased to avoid O'Sullivan - and his chalk.
"I would prefer to play John so I don't have to contend with the chalk that Ronnie uses, which should be banned from the game," Robertson told BBC Four.
"I don't know how you are allowed to even use it."
Image source, PA MediaImage caption, John Higgins in action during Sunday's session against Ronnie O'Sullivan, with chalk marks visible on the cloth
In his post-match news conference, the 44-year-old world champion of 2010 expanded further.
"All the players hate it, it just destroys it. You get kicks, bounces and it makes an absolute mess of the table," he said.
"I know he [O'Sullivan] is friends with [artist] Damien Hirst, but it's like he is making artwork with the chalk all over the cloth. I don't think he does it to put off anyone, he is not that way inclined at all.
"He is about the only player left on tour that uses that chalk - hopefully they bring in a ban."
A WST spokesperson said: "Currently players have free choice on what type of chalk to use."
Robertson, who said he will not allow practice partners to use Triangle Chalk when playing, added: "It is something to bring up. It can really ruin the game and it's not fair for the players who aren't using it.
"Shaun Murphy and I would love to see it removed from the face of the Earth," added Robertson, who jokingly called the incident "chalkgate".
He said: "Even snooker clubs are banning it - it ruins the actual cloth and comes with a health warning label, so why are we using it? I've had people come up to practice with me and they have brought it and I've said 'you're not using that'.