POT OF PAINT

Ronnie inspired by artist pal Hirst to pick up a brush & sync some colours

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has been hailed as a snooker artist for decades – and now The Rocket has started to paint between matches.

O’sullivan (above) will look to give China’s Zhou Yuelong the brush-off today at the Cazoo UK Championship in York as he goes chasing an eighth success in the tournament.

The world No.1 and reigning world champion has been dubbed the ‘Potting Picasso’ for his genius on the baize.

But it is close pal and former Turner Prize winner Damien Hirst that has inspired O’sullivan, 46, to try his hand at expressing himself on a different canvas.

Hirst (above, right) is most famous for artworks featuring animals in formaldehyde, but also paintings featuring coloured dots and cherry blossoms.

O’sullivan is looking to add a 22nd Major to his CV at the event where he broke through with success as a 17-year-old.

But he said: “I just look forward to going and buying some new paint brushes and going back to my room. I just do a little bit there, because I like it.

“I’m not into portraits, I’m into some things that Damien showed me. I like the dots and spots that Damien does, the blossoms and the veils. I like all his stuff, but that’s what I’ve been doing.

“You’ve got a lot of time when you’re away at tournaments and I enjoy it. I spend a lot of time with Damien and I enjoy being in the studio.

“He suggested, ‘Go and get your own paint brushes’ and I said, ‘Yeah, why not?’. I started doing it – it’s brilliant and I love it.”

O’sullivan also stirred up more 147 maximumbreak controversy by claiming he would not go for one unless the prize was at least £50,000.

At the Champion of Champions, The Rocket failed to shake hands with Judd Trump, as is traditional, after the Juddernaut made one against him in the final.

O’sullivan added: “What’s the prize for a max here? £15,000? Not enough. I’d probably go for it if it was £50,000, but for anything less let somebody else have a go.

“I’m not that bothered for it. What’s the point?

“I don’t need the money, so if it’s going to be money, then make it proper money – and then I might go for it.”