May 1st 2024.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was feeling uneasy during his World Snooker Championship quarter-final match with Stuart Bingham. He believed that Bingham had an unfair advantage and it was causing some controversy on the table. Neil Robertson, a former world champion, recognized Ronnie's actions and praised him for showing the greatest bit of sportsmanship he had ever seen.
At this point in the match, Ronnie was leading 6-5 and was looking to extend his lead. However, a controversial moment occurred when he potted a black and the referee had to re-spot it. The ball seemed to rock a bit on the spot, making the red ball next to it unpottable. Ronnie exercised his right to ask for the black to be re-spotted, but it was proving to be difficult to keep it still. Finally, the referee managed to get the ball to stay in place, making the red ball potable in the corner pocket.
Despite having a clear opportunity to take the shot, Ronnie was uncomfortable with the way this chance had been created. He stated, "I don't feel good about it. I can't take it." After some contemplation, Ronnie chose to ignore the pot and instead play it safe, much to the surprise of Robertson.
Robertson, who was commentating on the match, was stunned by Ronnie's act of sportsmanship. He remarked, "It looks like it goes easily. Ronnie's saying he doesn't even want to play the shot because he feels it's on too easily." He continued, "He's looking to play safe here, even though he can pot the red. It's unbelievable. If he plays safe here, this will be the greatest bit of sportsmanship I've ever seen in any sport."
After watching Ronnie's decision, Robertson was in awe. He exclaimed, "Unbelievable. That is incredible. He could have played that red." It was a remarkable display of sportsmanship from Ronnie, who ultimately lost the frame as Bingham leveled up the score at 6-6.
Robertson compared Ronnie's actions to a similar moment in snooker's history when Stephen Hendry showed sportsmanship towards Jimmy White in the World Championship final. He also acknowledged that in this sport, even the tiniest difference in placement can make a huge impact. It was no fault of the referee, who is considered one of the best, but rather the nature of the game.
In the end, Ronnie's act of sportsmanship was praised by fans and players alike. It showed the true essence of fair play and respect in a competitive sport. It was a moment that will be remembered for years to come, as Robertson put it, "I've never seen anything like that before...It's absolutely incredible what Ronnie's done there."
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