Table of Contents
- O'Sullivan Regains His Mojo
- The Importance of the New Cue
- Recent Performance Highlights
- Launch of 24/7 Snooker Channel
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has rediscovered his prowess on the snooker table, thanks to the craftsmanship of a master cue maker from Bangkok.
Earlier this year, the 49-year-old was struggling, feeling lost before he decided to make a change.
Ronnie O’Sullivan credits Sunny Akani for crafting his new cue.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has achieved two 147 breaks with his new cue.
The seven-time world champion attributed his collapse in January at a low-profile event in Leicester to feelings of “snooker depression” and “stage fright.”
During the Crucible World Championship, he had to use borrowed equipment. Although he reached the semi-finals, he changed his cue tip TWICE during that match.
However, this season, he has transformed, winning five out of seven matches, particularly shining in the semi-final of the Saudi Arabia Masters, where he earned a £147,000 bonus.
This turnaround is largely thanks to a new cue given to him by Sunny Akani, a professional player who also specializes in crafting exceptional cues for his peers.
Known as The Sunshine Kid, Thailand’s Akani, 30, believes that a snooker cue is not merely a tool but an extension of the player's arm.
O’Sullivan feels so at ease with what the world No. 72 has designed that he is heading to this week’s Xi’an Grand Prix—where he will face Ukrainian Iulian Boiko in the first round on Tuesday—with newfound confidence.
Now residing in Dubai, O’Sullivan shared with SunSport that he is getting great value for his efforts in competition, thanks to the Far Eastern master craftsman.
He stated: “It was my friend in Dubai, Muhammad, whom I’ve known since 1993.
“We reconnected about three years ago while I was on vacation in Dubai.
“We just picked up where we left off. He suggested, ‘You must try Sunny Akani’s cue.’
“I thought, Sunny Akani, he’s a snooker player. He can’t possibly make great cues.
“Regardless, Muhammad kept insisting, saying: ‘You will like it, you will like it.’
“I thought, oh, God, I’ve heard this all before. Anyway, I tried one of his cues. It wasn’t my size, but I thought, actually, it’s quite good.
“I asked Muhammad: ‘Sunny made this?’ He replied, yes. So, I had Sunny create a cue to my specifications, and he made me two.
“I picked one up, and I was like, wow – it’s the one with which I achieved two 147s.
“I was amazed; it’s incredible. It’s phenomenal. He’s a genius at what he does.
“Everything came together against Chris. It was fantastic to hit two 147s plus a 142. I just felt great.
“When I realized there was £147,000 on the line, I thought, why not, let’s go for it. It shows that if you offer a prize, it excites me, you know.”
O’Sullivan was speaking at the launch of the world's first 24/7 dedicated snooker channel, which will stream for free and on demand on Pluto TV.
The Snooker 900 format consists of 900 seconds (15 minutes) on the table, a 20-second shot clock, ball in hand for fouls, and a sudden-death blue-ball shootout to resolve ties.
The channel—initially broadcasting 18 hours a week of live snooker from Monday to Wednesday—launches on Monday (October 6) with a Legends Week.
One of the opening matches will feature Jimmy White versus Ken Doherty from 2 PM over seven frames of Snooker 900.
FAQ
What has contributed to Ronnie O'Sullivan's recent success?
Ronnie O'Sullivan's recent success can be attributed to a new cue crafted by Sunny Akani, which has helped him regain his confidence and improve his performance on the snooker table.
What is the Snooker 900 format?
The Snooker 900 format consists of 900 seconds (15 minutes) on the table, a 20-second shot clock, ball in hand for fouls, and a sudden-death blue-ball shootout to settle ties.
