Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

Never mind a master cue craftsman. On Thursday evening Ronnie O'Sullivan had his cue in at a local snooker cue shop in Sheffield to replace a titanium ferrule to brass and get a new tip.

There has been a lot of talk about 'The Rocket' and his cue over the World Championship largely because he snapped his old one at the Championship League in January.

He's had cues from at least two different manufacturers at his disposal and was back at the Crucible late on Thursday night practising with his slightly altered cue.

Will it have much of an impact and how will it serve him today?

I guess we shall find out shortly.

Zhao Xintong and Ronnie O'Sullivan have just been given an electric welcome by the crowd at the Crucible Theatre when they stepped from behind the curtain.

Whooping, applause and shouts of 'come on Ronnie'. The works.

Image source, BBC Sport

Footballers wear brand new boots most weekends. Tennis players pull out fresh rackets during matches. And darts players are often happy to toss their flights away into the crowd after wins.

Nowhere in elite level sport is the bond between player and equipment more profound than in snooker, where once a player finds what they consider the perfect cue, they aim to treasure it for as long as possible. A lifelong alliance is considered the dream scenario.

But during the ongoing World Championship in Sheffield this week, the game's most illustrious star Ronnie O'Sullivan has been ill at ease with his cue, labelling it "awful" and claiming it is causing "carnage" in his game despite a hitherto straightforward run to the semi-finals.

O'Sullivan is using temporary replacements from the workshop of world-renowned master cue craftsman John Parris, after snapping his previous long-serving design from the same manufacturer following a frustrating defeat in the Championship League in January.

"He is not settled," Parris tells the BBC at his South East London workshop, which has been producing top-of-the-line cues for more than 40 years.

"I'm not sure what cue he's coming out with every time he comes through the curtain. It could be a different one every day. He's not happy with it but he's managing. We'll get there - we'll get the perfect one in the end."

Read the full story...

BBC Two

You can watch this semi-final between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Zhao Xintong live on BBC Two.

It's also available on the BBC iPlayer and at the top of this page by clicking on the "Watch and listen" tab.

Our coverage from the Crucible with Rishi Persad has just started now so tune in.

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Zhao Xintong arrived into the Crucible Theatre to a standing ovation on Thursday and they were treated to another one at the end of the first session, having shared the eight frames of a highly-entertaining first session.

Zhao got off to a flying start, O'Sullivan fought back well, but Zhao levelled the score - and caused some extra work for the table-fitting team (see below!) - in levelling the match.

10:00

• Ronnie O'Sullivan v Zhao Xintong (frames 9-16)

14:30

• Judd Trump v Mark Williams (frames 9-16)

19:00

• Ronnie O'Sullivan v Zhao Xintong (frames 17-24)

Image source, Getty Images

Good morning.

What a day of snooker semi-final action we have in store for you...

BBC Sport

The 2025 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

BBC Sport has comprehensive live coverage of the championship on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and Red Button, while every match will be shown in full on iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app.

The final takes place over two days starting on Sunday 4 May.

To read the full guide for draws, results and coverage, click here.

Image source, Getty Images

Get Inspired
#GetInspired

Why get into snooker, billiards and pool?

They are non-contact, indoor sports which can be played competitively or socially.

Who is it for?

Snooker, billiards & pool are skilful games that can be played by anyone, regardless of age, gender or ability.

Is there a cheap option?

Many clubs allow you to borrow equipment and membership fees can be inexpensive.

Is it good for my health and wellbeing?

Cue sports provide a fun and sociable way to stay active, improve your concentration and increase your strength and muscle control.

Can I take it to another level?

Once you've mastered the skills, you could enter local league matches and amateur level competitions across the country.

Is there a disability option?

Cue sports are very inclusive as the rules and equipment are the same for able-bodied and disabled players.

Is there a family option?

Many clubs welcome junior members. You can also play in teams and use a handicap scoring system.

Snooker, billiards and pool all offer different challenges, but from pubs to clubs to competition, they offer an accessible option for anyone hoping to pick up a cue.

It shouldn't be hard to find somewhere to hone your skills. What's more, an official snooker club finder, external was launched in 2018 to help you find the perfect place to play.