A FIVE-time World Champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan is one of the greatest players the game of snooker has ever seen.
A young prodigy in the sport, O’Sullivan was destined for the top but endured numerous obstacles along the way including dealing with his father in jail for murder and a drug addiction.
Known as ‘Rocket’ Ronnie because of his speed of play, the O’Sullivan has played in over 280 tournaments with a string of controversies along the way.
What is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s background?
As a youngster, the man from West Midlands was a prodigy with the cue in hands.
He made his first century break at the remarkable age of 10 and went onto become British Under-16 Champion by the age of 13.
From there, it was clear that O’Sullivan was destined for great things as he turned professional at the age of 16.
Over the years he has produced moments of sheer magic and forged fierce sporting rivalries with the likes of Stephen Hendry.
He has fallen out of love with the game where he ended up working on a pig farm and had to deal with his father going to jail for murder.
What has Ronnie said about his father?
Ronnie’s father, also Ronnie, was jailed in 1992 for the vicious murder of Bruce Bryan, the driver for Charlie Kray – brother of gangsters Ronnie and Reggie — during a fight in a Chelsea nightclub.
However Ronnie stood up for his father saying: “He was a very generous person and some people took that kindness for weakness and played on it. That was his downfall.
“The loyalty I felt towards my dad . . . I’d do anything he asked.
“My dad used to say it was like a visit to him when he saw me on the TV. I thought, ‘Bloody hell, that’s got to be the most important thing, it’s keeping him going.’
“So I knew I couldn’t give up, even though I was hating it. I couldn’t deprive my dad of that.”
What is Ronnie’s professional record?
Throughout his illustrious career, Ronnie has featured in more than 280 pro tournaments and has an astonishing record.
He has won over 50 tournaments and has reached the final just under 90 times.
Ronnie has made 37 semi-finals and 54 quarter-finals, and been ranked number one in the world five times.
What were his most controversial moments?
Ronnie’s life wouldn’t look out of place in an award-winning novel.
In 1996, in the same tournament where Ronnie drew criticism for “showboating” after playing left-handed, he allegedly head-butted Michael Ganley, an assistant press officer at the time.
He was given a £20,000 fine and a suspended two-year ban.
In 2006 and trailing to Stephen Hendry, he ran out of position from potting the black.
After missing the red, O’Sullivan left his opponent baffled when he shook hands with Hendry and the referee before walking off. He was fined £20,800.
In 1998, Ronnie was stripped of the Irish Masters title after cannabis was in his system.
At the 2016 Welsh Open, O’Sullivan declined the opportunity to make a maximum break, describing the £10,000 prize money on offer as “too cheap.”
When was Ronnie given an OBE?
Ronnie was awarded an OBE in the New Year honours in 2015 for the role he has played in snooker.
He collected his award from Prince Charles in May the following year with partner Laila Rouass.
However two years previously he said it would be "a disgrace" for him to receive a honour because of his controversial past.
How many books has Ronnie O'Sullivan written?
He has written three books in total, with the latest a novel called Framed which he released in November 2016.
It is about a man called Frankie James whose mother disappeared, his father was in jail and he owed money to the SoHo snooker club he inherited to one of London's toughest gangsters. He revealed the book was based on events from his upbringing.
Ronnie has also written two autobiographies titled Running (2013) and Ronnie (2003).
What is Ronnie O'Sullivan's net worth?
Since the beginning of his professional career in 1992, Ronnie has won £8.5million in prize money.
His most successful year came in 2000, where he earned £684,130.
But overall his net worth is believed to be around £32m.
Is Ronnie married? Who's his wife?
Ronnie has three children from a two-year relationship with Sally Magnus, and two children from a relationship with Jo Langley.
However, is now settled with former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Laila Rouass.
The pair got engaged in 2013, but have yet to tie the knot.
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