Ronnie O'Sullivan halts match as 'not happy' star makes demand to snooker referee

Ronnie O'Sullivan halted his Xi'an Grand Prix clash with Jak Jones on Friday and told the referee to replace the black ball. The Rocket was in fine form during the last-16 encounter and went on to secure a 5-2 victory.

O'Sullivan is one of the greatest snooker players in the history of the sport and has landed a joint-record seven world titles throughout his illustrious career. He took an extended break from the game at the start of the year after smashing his cue during a Championship League match against Robert Milkins but has returned to the baize in recent months and reached the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters in August, where he was defeated by Neil Robertson. And he is currently eyeing the title at the Xi'an Grand Prix.

O'Sullivan sailed through his first two matches in China as he thrashed Yao Pengcheng 5-1 in his opening clash, despite being left unimpressed with the table conditions, before thumping Stephen Maguire 5-0 in his second encounter.

And the 49-year-old quickly moved into a 52-0 lead in the opening frame of his showdown with Jones.

But the blockbuster star stopped in his tracks after potting the black ball to extend his lead to 59 points.

O'Sullivan pointed at the black ball following his pot and looked disgusted as he poked his tongue out. And after taking a closer look at the ball, he demanded the referee replace it.

"Again, O'Sullivan is not happy about the black ball," explained TNT Sports commentator Phillip Studd.

"Maybe there is a very slight indentation on it, I am not sure. Perhaps they will change it."

But O'Sullivan soon lost patience with the delay and temporarily backtracked as he stated: "I'll use it now. Tell them to use it now. Then get me a new one." And the legendary player then beckoned the referee back to the table as he added: "Come on."

As O'Sullivan continued with the frame, TNT Sports commentator Fergal O'Brien told viewers: "Yeah he is not happy with the black, but he just said let me polish these balls off and then change it for the next frame, as you do."

And Studd added: "He is not one to have his rhythm disrupted happily, is he, O'Sullivan. Everything has got to be right."

O'Sullivan ultimately cemented a quarter-final showdown with world No. 17 Gary Wilson, with the duo going head-to-head on Saturday afternoon. The Rocket went into the match aiming to keep alive his hopes of clinching his first trophy of the year.