**Ronnie O’Sullivan Still Searching for Cue Perfection Despite Eye-Watering Equipment Costs**
Ronnie O’Sullivan, arguably snooker’s most illustrious figure, continues to voice his dissatisfaction with his current cue, shedding light on the remarkable lengths to which he goes to find the perfect instrument. As the World Snooker Championship progresses, O’Sullivan’s ongoing quest for cue perfection and the hidden costs behind his equipment have captured the interest of fans and industry insiders alike.
After an extended hiatus from competitive play, O’Sullivan made his return to the sport at the Crucible Theatre, securing a quarter-final spot in the prestigious tournament. His break from snooker earlier this year was prompted by a moment of frustration, resulting in him smashing his cue and withdrawing from the Championship League. Since then, the seven-time world champion has dedicated himself not just to regaining his form but reigniting his passion for the sport.
Central to this effort has been a series of experiments with his cue – the vital tool for any top-level snooker player. O’Sullivan’s preferred supplier for nearly forty years has been John Parris, an esteemed cue maker based in south-east London. Their partnership, which began when O’Sullivan was just eleven years old, is the stuff of snooker legend. Yet despite the pedigree and experience both bring to the table, O’Sullivan admits that the search for the right cue is far from straightforward.
The 49-year-old is known for his fastidious approach to equipment. Never one to settle for an imperfect tool, he recently remarked, “I’m keeping this current cue until maybe John Parris can make me another one that I feel comfortable with. I’ve tried about 20 so far. I’m a bit fussy with cues. I like to feel like I can play with it straightaway. So John’s going to get busy. He’s out there chopping down trees as we speak to try and find me a nice bit of wood.”
Interestingly, O’Sullivan hasn’t limited himself to just one brand. He has experimented with various cues, including the handmade Ton Praram, which can range in price from under £100 to over £1,000. Nonetheless, the reliability and bespoke nature of Parris’ work keeps bringing O’Sullivan back – especially as the nuances of weight, balance, and wood grain play a subtle yet powerful role in a player’s performance.
The costs associated with O’Sullivan’s snooker equipment are staggering to the average fan. Parris’ exclusive ‘Ultimate’ cue, for example, is priced from approximately £2,000, with further customisations raising the total by several hundred pounds. Meanwhile, the standard ‘Parris Collection’, still made with expertise, offers cues starting from £540. For professional players, these investments are vital, and yet the process remains intricate, as each cue is uniquely crafted to suit an individual’s style and sensation.
While many might dismiss the importance of such precise tailoring, those close to the sport understand the significance. Parris, speaking recently on the Snooker Breakfast podcast, compared O’Sullivan’s approach to a golfer’s relationship with their clubs. He reflected on their decades-long relationship, saying, “We’ve always had a really good relationship. It’s amusing – when he secures a win and I announce it was with a Parris cue, people joke that he could have done it with a broomstick. But if they understood how meticulous he is, they’d know that’s simply not true.”
Cue making for professionals is itself an art form, requiring a meticulous eye and a skilled hand to create a tool that becomes an extension of the player. Parris, whose reputation among snooker greats from Steve Davis to today’s stars is unrivalled, often spends months sourcing materials, testing finishes, and refining cues until they meet the exceptionally high standards of players like O’Sullivan.
As O’Sullivan gears up for his record-breaking 23rd Crucible quarter-final—this time against Si Jiahui—the world will once again watch not just for his masterful shot-making, but also to see whether he finally feels at one with his cue. For a player of his calibre, perfection is not just about technique but about the relationship with his instrument—one forged through years of persistence, precision, and, as the numbers reveal, considerable expense.
O’Sullivan’s pursuit exemplifies the hidden battles behind the baize—the relentless drive for improvement, the willingness to experiment, and the belief that every detail, however costly, can make the difference between victory and defeat. In this sense, the price of snooker excellence is measured in far more than just pounds and pence; it’s found in the relentless pursuit of perfection.