Ronnie cues up for Purple Patch
Ronnie O'Sullivan is road testing a new purple cue ahead of the defence of his Masters title at Wembley.
The 34-year-old has been given the coloured cue by his sponsors Premier Inn and has been using it in the run-up to the tournament, which starts on Sunday.
Using an unconventional piece of equipment is not linked to the appointment of Barry Hearn as the new chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, but O'Sullivan believes it the type of initiative the new supremo of the sport will look to promote.
O'Sullivan said "Last year I used a new cue for the Masters. I only had it for two hours and I managed to win the tournament but I didn't really like the cue if I'm honest.
"So I'm not a buyer of the philosophy that the cue is the be-all and end-all. I used to be because I got so attached to one cue that I couldn't do without it.
"If you start relying on equipment to dictate how you play then you become attached to it and that is a weakness."
O'Sullivan feels with Hearn's at the helm the sport could be revitalised and he is willing to help as long as his game is not compromised.
"There will be a lot less red tape now Barry has come in," O'Sullivan said.
"It will give an opportunity to be a bit more flexible and give room for people to work.
"I was at the darts and watching the operational side of it and the production involved is very good. I think that will come into snooker.
"Sometimes you can make something dull into something good with a bit of flair. You can be more passionate about what you do.
"Barry is up for people to be more dare-devilish and interact with the crowd.
"It doesn't mean going crazy but showing a bit of emotion. Maybe less importance on the result and how you get the result, and more about expressing yourself."
O'Sullivan is always looking for new challenges. Just before his last Premier League match he ran a half-marathon while waiting for his game to start - and for this year's Masters his sponsors are giving away 147 free hotel rooms if he manages a maximum.
He added: "Someone has laid a bet down as far as I'm concerned. Can I make them eat their words? I hope so.
"It's not about money or anything else like that, it's about getting yourself up for it or making it difficult and trying to get a result."
