Overview

• Ronnie O’Sullivan replaced both the tip and ferrule of his cue during his World Championship semi-final against Zhao Xintong, an unusual move in professional snooker.
• The adjustments followed ongoing frustrations with his titanium ferrule, which O’Sullivan criticized for failing to reduce cue-ball deflection as advertised.
• O’Sullivan’s decision to make these changes during the tournament highlights his struggles with new equipment, which began after he broke his previous cue earlier this year.
• Former world champion Steve Davis noted the risks of mid-match equipment changes, calling it a challenging and rare move in a high-stakes setting.
• The match remains tied at 4-4, with O’Sullivan seeking a record eighth world title under the scrutiny of his tactical and technical decisions.