Ronnie O’Sullivan hailed as ‘one of the greatest sporting minds of all time’ in bizarre incident

An “incredible” moment at the World Snooker Championships saw Ronnie O’Sullivan praised for his sportsmanship.

During a crucial period of his quarter-final clash against Stuart Bingham, O’Sullivan found himself in a peculiar situation after pocketing the black as he looked to chase down his opponent.

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The referee struggled to put black in his place as he wouldn’t stay still, leaving O’Sullivan unhappy with the placement.

With the white ball tucked slightly behind the black, preventing it from shooting at the red, it proved to be a crucial moment in the game – with the frame likely going to whoever pocketed next.

He offered Bingham a look, but he declined before the ‘Rocket’ showed immense sportsmanship by taking a safety shot instead, prompting enthusiastic applause from the Crucible crowd.

Speaking on commentary, 2010 world champion Neil Robertson said: “He played carefully even though he was able to pocket the red. It’s incredible.

“It’s probably some of the best sportsmanship I’ve ever seen in any sport. It’s unbelievable.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

O’Sullivan trailed Bingham 43-29, but looked in fine form as he looked to take the frame, which would have pushed him 7-5 ahead and into a dominant position.

However, Bingham then took the frame to level the scores in a contest that has already seen many twists and turns.

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Fans took to social media to congratulate O’Sullivan, who is looking to win his eighth world snooker championship title and showed no mercy in the next frame, coming out of the traps to regain the lead and wear the score at 7-6.

One fan wrote: “Well I gave Ronnie a lot of years for questionable behavior but this is a whole different level in terms of sportsmanship, fair play, I hope he wins his eighth world now.”

Another wrote: “Ronnie O’Sullivan, you are an absolute legend. You can’t buy class and integrity.”

A third posted: “Just saw Ronnie O’Sullivan with one of the greatest sports minds I have ever seen in world sport.”

This fan said: “Amazing sportsmanship from Ronnie O’Sullivan. »

While another said: “Say what you want about Ronnie O’Sullivan but it’s a touch of class. Fair play.”