Ronnie O'Sullivan explains personal tribute to iconic rival as China's global growth is reflected by one key stat - 'A legend in snooker world'
Published 09/06/2026 at 14:42 GMT+1
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Ronnie O'Sullivan is affectionately known as 'The Rocket' for his rapid and rampant style of play, but the snooker GOAT has also been good at handing out his own nicknames since turning professional in 1992.
Zhao wins 'battle of China' against Ding to reach quarter-finals
Video credit: TNT Sports
O'Sullivan infamously dubbed Mark Selby 'The Torturer' in his autobiography, described Ali Carter as 'Mr Angry' at the Crucible, and once called Peter Ebdon 'Psycho' after a particularly bad-natured meeting at the 2001 UK Championship.
He also dubbed two-time Welsh Open winner and ardent Newcastle United fan Gary Wilson 'Gazza' during punditry work for TNT Sports, and has frequently hailed Ding Junhui as 'The Godfather' of Chinese snooker.
Expanding on the theme during his recent trip to China to compete at Heyball, a hybrid version of pool and snooker played on a smaller table, he feels that Ding's influence on the sport over the past three decades makes him the 'Bruce Lee' of the old green baize.
Ding has been widely recognised as China's most famous potting pioneer since he defeated six-time champion Steve Davis 10-6 at the age of 18 to win the first of three UK titles in 2005.
"I always say he's like 'The Godfather' of Chinese snooker," said O'Sullivan, speaking to local media.
"He was the very first Chinese player to come along and win and be around for a long, long time. He's had an amazing career so far, winning many big tournaments.
"He's been so consistent for maybe 20 years now, and I think Ding will always be a legend in the snooker world. Probably a little bit like Bruce Lee was for karate.
"He was the very first Chinese snooker player to become known all around the world, and he's been a great ambassador for Chinese snooker.
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"I think all the young Chinese players have so much respect for Ding Junhui. He has been amazing for snooker."
Ding became the first player from mainland China to earn a place among the top 16 when he was ranked world No. 9 at the outset of the 2007/08 season.
He became world No. 1 in 2014 in a career that has delivered 15 ranking titles and the 2011 Masters.
He also reached the final of the 2016 World Championship, losing 18-14 to Mark Selby, but despite having yet to conquer the Crucible, Ding has provided a platform for future generations to thrive.
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'What a shot' - Wu pots stunning red to set up winning break in deciding frame
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That is reflected in Zhao Xintong, who defeated Ding 13-9 in the second round at the Crucible in April, and Wu Yize winning the sport's biggest prize over the past two years to confirm China's position as a superpower in the sport.
Ding was the only Chinese player inside the world's top 64 in 2006, but 17 will start the new season inside the top 64 - with four, including Xiao Guodong and Ding, inside the top 16.
China's growth in the game is also reflected by the country's growing presence on the main circuit, increasing from 27 in 2022 to 34 this season, with only England (49) having more professionals.
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