Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has joined calls to ban the traditional chalk used by Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Crucible this year. The Scottish legend agreed with Australian professional Neil Robertson that the Triangle Chalk should be prohibited, citing its negative impact on the game.
O'Sullivan is among a minority of players still using the old-style chalk, which critics claim causes kicks and bounces and damages the cloth. Robertson voiced his relief at avoiding O'Sullivan in the World Championship, saying the chalk should be banned. 'All the players hate it, it just destroys it. You get kicks, bounces and it makes an absolute mess of the table,' Robertson said after his last-16 win over Chris Wakelin.
During an episode of his Cue Tips show, Hendry addressed the controversy. 'That was another big talking point, the chalk - chalk-gate,' he said. Picking up his own chalk for comparison, he added: 'Ronnie using Triangle Chalk when everyone else is using this stuff. Stops kicks, stops bounces, there's no marks on the cloth. Neil Robertson actually called for World Snooker to ban it, which I don't disagree with if I'm honest. I think it spoils the game as a spectacle.'
Hendry noted that John Higgins, who beat O'Sullivan 13-12 in the second round, was frequently wiping the table and cleaning the cue ball due to the chalk. Robertson, who lost 13-10 to Higgins, reiterated his stance: 'I do think there's a slight call, possibly, for it to be banned. But whether they could go down that route, I don't know.'
A World Snooker Tour spokesperson reiterated that players have a free choice over the chalk they use. O'Sullivan has since returned to the Crucible for the World Seniors Championship, with revised regulations now allowing his participation.
