It’s tough Ron for starters
WORLD SNOOKER MAGUIRE’S A BIG TEST
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has been handed a tough start in his bid to win a sixth world title.
The Rocket faces former world No.2 and two-time semi-finalist Stephen Maguire tomorrow in the first round at the Crucible.
O’Sullivan angered his fellow pros earlier this season by branding lower-ranked players as “numpties”.
But World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson said yesterday: “There are no numpties at the Crucible or on the tour.
“To get to this stage there are millions of players competing around the world.
“Here in Sheffield you have the cream of the crop, the top 16 and 16 qualifiers who have had to battle and win three very tough matches. They have all earned the right to be here, no question. You won’t be seeing any numpties over the next 17 days.”
O’Sullivan, 42, tipped Maguire to dominate the sport for a decade after losing to the Scot at the 2004 UK Championship.
But the world No.18 never lived up to the tag.
“It could have been easier,” said Maguire after the draw.
“The only draw that’s different to getting other players is Ronnie. Ronnie brings a different atmosphere and a completely different FIRST ROUND DRAW: (England unless stated): game. All the rest of them are very similar.
“You know the kind of crowd Ronnie brings and it’s always a special occasion.
“I’d have rather avoided him in the first round to be honest, but it will be a good occasion.
“I’m always nervous and I still despise getting beaten, so that’s what brings the nerves. I’ll be really nervous walking out for my match.”
Defending champion Mark Selby, who won the China Open earlier this month, faces the experienced Joe Perry in tomorrow morning’s opener.
Former Asda delivery driver and debutant Chris Wakelin gets a crack at 2011 finalist Judd Trump, while Ding Junhui has an allChinese clash with Xiao Guodong.
Of the other debutants, Liam Highfield takes on Masters champion Mark Allen and China’s Lyu Haotian plays Hong Kong’s Marco Fu.
Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh faces a tough test against last year’s runner-up John Higgins. The Scot has won the title four times.
(N Ireland) (Wales), (Scotland) (China), (Hong Kong)
(Australia) (Scotland), (Scotland) (China), (Wales) (Wales), (Thailand), (Belgium) (China) (Wales),