'Not happy' - Ronnie O'Sullivan demands fresh black during Xi’an Grand Prix clash with Jak Jones - 'Get me a new one'

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Ronnie O'Sullivan was not best pleased and demanded a new ball during his Xi’an Grand Prix clash with Jak Jones after spotting an issue with the black. The Rocket and Jones were going head-to-head after O'Sullivan defeated Stephen Maguire 5-0 in the last 32 on Thursday. The incident occurred in the opening frame of their last-16 battle with the snooker legend already 59-0 in front.

‘He’s not happy’ – O’Sullivan wants black ball replaced in ‘unusual’ situation

Video credit: TNT Sports

Ronnie O'Sullivan was 'not happy' and demanded a new black ball during his 2025 Xi’an Grand Prix last-16 clash with Jak Jones.

The Rocket was leading the Welshman 59-0 in the opening frame of the match when he spotted an issue with the black while lining up a shot.

O'Sullivan booked his place in the last 16 of the tournament with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Stephen Maguire in the Round of 32.

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He appeared to have got off to the perfect start when the problem with the ball was identified.

"Typical positional shot from Ronnie there, the amount of times he lands parallel with that black is uncanny," said TNT Sports commentator Fergal O'Brien.

"It is a massive part of his success, being such a great break builder."

As he lined up another shot, The Rocket noticed something was wrong, and requested that the referee take a closer inspection at his next object ball.

"Again, O'Sullivan is not happy about the black ball," said TNT Sports commentator Phillip Studd.

"Maybe there is a very slight indentation on it, I am not sure. Perhaps they will change it."

The ball was then taken off the table for a closer look, but O'Sullivan did not want to waste any time.

He requested that he be allowed to finish the frame before demanding that someone produce a new black before the next frame got underway.

"I’ll use it now," said O'Sullivan. "Tell them to use it now. Then get me a new one."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

"Yeah he is not happy with the black, but he just said let me polish these balls off and then change it for the next frame, as you do." said O'Brien

Studd recognised that the legendary player is not used to being interrupted.

"He is not one to have his rhythm disrupted happily, is he, O'Sullivan?" added Studd. "Everything has got to be right."

The issue did not stop O'Sullivan from potting the black shortly after the disruption, taking the first and second frame in the first-to-five encounter.

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