Why Ronnie O'Sullivan's chalk could be hampering John Higgins in blockbuster World Championship second-round match

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TNT Sports expert Alan McManus believes Ronnie O'Sullivan's old-school chalk is impacting John Higgins during their World Championship second-round clash.

O'Sullivan's chalk could be contributing to Higgins' struggles - McManus

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The 'Class of 92' duo began battle on Saturday evening, with O'Sullivan racing into a 6-2 lead. When they resumed at the Crucible on Sunday evening, The Rocket established an 8-4 lead heading into the interval.

The second session began in frustrating fashion for Higgins, who made a series of uncharacteristic errors, and was largely trading frame-for-frame with O'Sullivan, rather than cutting into his deficit.

Much has been made of O'Sullivan's equipment so far on his return to Sheffield, using two different cues in his first-round win over He Guoqiang, and indeed his use of an older chalk - which left quite a mess on Table 1 during their opening session.

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Speaking in the TNT Sports studio at the interval of the second session, McManus explained the difficulties many players face when their opponents use old chalk, like O'Sullivan's.

"I think there’s a combination of reasons that John is struggling," McManus said. "A, himself.

"Also, just to give an insight into John - and this is most players on the tour - without labouring the point, they don’t like this old chalk when an opponent is using it.

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"Because it does affect the way the table plays, the way it bounces. And it has thrown John off kilter a tad."

TNT Sports commentators Dave Hendon and Dominic Dale had earlier referenced how O'Sullivan, in particular, has taken well to the tables at this year's World Championship, compared to the likes of Judd Trump, who has appeared to have less control over his cue ball.

O'Sullivan still uses Triangle chalk, as opposed to the more popular choice of Taom among other players on the tour, and in 2021, Higgins urged The Rocket to move away from his old-school equipment.

During the opening session on Saturday, O'Sullivan was seen using sandpaper on his cue - another trick in order to combat his well-publicised tip issues.

After the interval, O'Sullivan and Higgins played out four frames littered with errors - but it was the Scot who shaded the scoring to ultimately gain some encouragement heading into Monday's decisive afternoon session, now just two frames behind at 9-7.

"It wasn't vintage Higgins, far from it," McManus said. "At the end of it, John [got the] job done. He's won the session. But thankfully for everyone, we're going to get what we want, a close contest and a thriller tomorrow."

Jimmy White added: "There were so many mistakes by both players. I think they're both in shock, but the table seems to be playing really tight."

'Ouch!' - O'Sullivan punches table in fury after missing routine red

Video credit: TNT Sports

The pair's struggles were particularly apparent in the final frame, as O'Sullivan punched the table in frustration after missing a routine red at 0-8 down, before a dramatic finale saw Higgins pounce on O'Sullivan going in-off.

You can watch every day of the 2026 World Snooker Championship live on TNT Sports. It is available both live and on-demand on HBO Max

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