The Injury That Led to the Change

SNOOKER star Ronnie O’Sullivan recently made headlines at the UK Championship, not just for his impressive win over Anthony McGill, but also for his choice of footwear. Instead of the traditional black dress shoes worn by snooker players, O’Sullivan opted for a pair of trainers. And now, he has revealed the reason behind this unusual choice.

Battling Plantar Fasciitis

During an interview with Eurosport, O’Sullivan explained that he was wearing trainers due to an injury. He disclosed that he suffers from plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes pain and discomfort in the heel. He described it as feeling like a bruise on his heel and said that leather-soled shoes aggravate the condition, making it difficult for him to compete in them. To alleviate the pain, O’Sullivan has resorted to wearing trainers with extra cushioning.

Overcoming a Tough Start

O’Sullivan's choice of footwear may have captured viewers' attention, but it was his performance on the snooker table that truly stole the show. Despite being 2-0 down in the best-of-11 match, O’Sullivan rallied back and won six consecutive frames to secure a victory. Reflecting on the match, he acknowledged the pressure and emotions that come with such high-stakes competitions. O’Sullivan expressed his desire to perform well in these tournaments and advance to the later stages, emphasizing that going out in the first round is not something he aims for.

Overall, O’Sullivan's win and his explanation for his footwear choice have added another layer of intrigue to his already legendary career. Snooker fans will surely be keeping a close eye on him as the UK Championship progresses.