FINAL THIRD
Leeds United striker Billy Sharp on his love of snooker
LEEDS striker Billy Sharp is glad the Championship didn’t finish on a Sunday this year – so he is free to put his feet up and watch the World Snooker final today.
The 29-year-old made his annual visit to the Crucible in Sheffield on Wednesday night to watch his friend Ronnie O’Sullivan.
But he proved not to be a lucky charm for the five-time champion, with the Rocket admitting he was second best in his quarter-final defeat to fellow Essex boy Stuart Bingham.
Love
And though he revealed his admiration for O’Sullivan, Sharp’s love for the green baize started as a schoolboy.
“I first came about 20 years ago. I saw John Parrott versus James Wattana and then got a snooker table for Christmas,” said the former Sheffield United and Doncaster goalpoacher.
“I’ve got a three-quarter size one at home now, which is nice. It’s better to make breaks on that one, I’m not sure I could do so well on the full size one!
“I’ve come this year to see Ronnie. I try to get here at least once every year, but Wednesday was my first time this year – I would have come back if he had won.
“I’ve met him before and I just love watching him play snooker. He is a joy to watch.
“I’ve seen some of the controversies, playing with his shoes off and putting his chalk on the table. I think he thinks he’s playing on his own at home sometimes!
“I wouldn’t mind having a couple of shots with him, but I don’t think I could handle the nerves of a full frame.”
Despite being the Mecca for snooker, the Crucible Theatre holds just 900 people and feels extremely cramped in the first three rounds with two tables on the arena floor.
And Sharp admits he would much rather be playing in front of a 20,000-plus crowd each week than a venue so intimate.
“I’d rather play football at Elland Road, but the Crucible is made for snooker and I can see why they love it,” he added.
“Every time I come to the Crucible I think it gets bigger. The crowds are always big and I think it’s good as it is because everyone gets a great view. I’ve been to snooker in York as well and I don’t think you can beat this place.”