Former world champion Neil Robertson has called for a ban on the controversial Triangle Chalk used by Ronnie O'Sullivan, claiming it "makes an absolute mess of the table" and causes unfair disruptions. O'Sullivan is one of the few players still using the traditional chalk, which most others have abandoned in favor of Taom Chalk, a product that reduces kicks and leaves no marks.
Robertson's comments came after O'Sullivan's dramatic 13-12 loss to John Higgins in the World Snooker Championship last-16. A noticeable kick occurred in the deciding frame when Higgins played a red, prompting him to exclaim "oh my god" as the cue ball deviated from its expected path. Though Higgins potted the red, he missed the subsequent black, but ultimately secured the win.
"I would prefer to play John so I don't have to contend with the chalk that Ronnie uses, which should be banned from the game," Robertson told BBC Four. "I don't know how you are allowed to even use it."
In his post-match press conference, Robertson elaborated: "All the players hate it, it just destroys the table. You get kicks, bounces and it makes an absolute mess of the cloth. I know he's friends with Damien Hirst, but it's like he is making artwork with the chalk all over the cloth. He is about the only player left on tour that uses that chalk — hopefully they bring in a ban."
A World Snooker Tour spokesperson stated: "Currently players have free choice on what type of chalk to use." Robertson, who said he won't allow practice partners to use Triangle Chalk, added: "Shaun Murphy and I would love to see it removed from the face of the Earth. Even snooker clubs are banning it — it ruins the actual cloth and comes with a health warning label, so why are we using it?" He jokingly referred to the issue as "chalkgate."