Hard to believe: Ronnie O’Sullivan officially pay a world historic never seen tribute to his beloved mentor” Ray Reardon with a shocking act” here are his actions…
By paying a masterful homage to the late snooker legend and mentor Ray Reardon, Ronnie O’Sullivan demonstrated his admiration for both men during the 2004 World Championship celebration. One of the greatest snooker players of all time, “The Rocket,” has had a great deal of assistance in the form of the excellent Reardon. The Welshman, who passed away this past week at the age of 91, once said that after taking O’Sullivan under his wing, he was like a son to him.
Reardon, dubbed “Dracula” for his big fangs and widow’s peak, told the BBC that O’Sullivan “put ten years on my life” and that “when we got to know each other, it was like father and son, really.” It was amazing, very amazing.”
Upon their first meeting, “Dracula” embraced O’Sullivan and promised to make him “impregnable.” “I remember him saying, ‘You pot balls for fun, no one’s better than you but we’re going to teach you how to become impregnable’,” O’Sullivan said. “‘What does that mean?’ I thought to myself.
“Well, no weaknesses,” he said. We’re going to focus on improving your defense. Really, that was all there was to it. We simply had to go to work.” A few months later, O’Sullivan took home the world title.
To honor his master, he accepted the trophy while sporting a set of prosthetic vampire teeth. He exclaimed, “Ray’s come down here and he’s added a new dimension to my game,” upon winning the championship. “And I don’t want to give no secrets away but he’s really improved me in certain areas and I think that’s where I’ve needed to develop as a player.”
After going on to win five more global titles, O’Sullivan’s most recent victory saw him surpass Reardon’s record set in 1978 when he won his sixth and final world title, becoming him the oldest world champion in snooker history aged 46. The two reunited via video conference that the BBC arranged for an emotional 2022 documentary, in which Reardon recounted the story of their strong personal and professional relationship.
The man Reardon had once called “Ronnie the Rascal” and “the Magician” was back, along with his former protégé. O’Sullivan informed him that he would never have developed into one of the most successful athletes in sports history without his one-on-one mentoring. After Reardon admitted to feeling lonely, O’Sullivan suggested they get together and added, “I love that man.” For Ray, anything at all.”
