November 6th 2024.
Ronnie O'Sullivan may not be known for his close friendships with other snooker players, but there is one fellow player who holds a special place in his heart. That player is none other than Jimmy White, who has been a good pal of the Rocket's for many years. And it seems that their friendship is as strong as ever.
When asked by Eurosport which other player he would choose to sit next to on a plane, O'Sullivan didn't hesitate in saying, "Jimmy White." He went on to explain, "He's the best company in the world. He's funny, he's lovely, he's got a big heart. He's one of my best mates and I love him." It's clear that the two have a strong bond that goes beyond just being snooker colleagues.
Their friendship dates back to when O'Sullivan was just starting out in the world of snooker and White was his hero. Over the years, they have become even closer through their shared experiences on tour and working together in the Eurosport studio. During O'Sullivan's title-winning run at the 2022 World Championship, he even expressed his love for White on air, saying, "I'd much rather be sitting here with this fella for 17 days. This geezer is the best, the best company. Me and Jimmy have worked on Eurosport for years and we've always been good mates, but we've become like blood brothers. He's like my biggest brother and I love him."
The feeling is certainly mutual, with White also speaking highly of their friendship before their last professional meeting on the table in 2021. He said, "We've been good friends. We've helped each other with our careers over the years. We're good pals, and when we're away from snooker, the last thing we talk about is snooker. We enjoy each other's company, and he's a great guy to be around."
White also praised O'Sullivan for his genuine nature and his willingness to speak his mind, even if it sometimes gets him into trouble. "He's my mate, and if he let me down, it would hurt. That's what real mates feel about each other," he added. The two have shared many great memories outside of snooker, from attending tennis matches and horse races to going out clubbing in their younger days.
Although they may be on different paths in their snooker careers now, with O'Sullivan still competing at the highest level and White still winning matches on the main tour at 62 years old, their friendship remains strong. They both hold a special place in snooker history and are two of the most popular players in the sport. And while O'Sullivan may have suffered a loss in the International Championship, he is still scheduled to compete in the upcoming Champion of Champions and defend his UK Championship title later this month. Fans can't wait to see what the Rocket and the Whirlwind will accomplish next.
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