Ronnie O’Sullivan loses at major snooker event for first time in EIGHT YEARS – back when Sam Allardyce was England boss

The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.

O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.

And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.

He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.

While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.

Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.

His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.

And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.

Check out all our latest Ronnie O’Sullivan articles.

The rectangular table features green baize, a baulk line and semi-circle, known as the D.

It has six pockets, four in each corner and two midway down both long sides.

There are 15 red balls which are arranged in a triangular shape.

There are also six colour balls, and the white cue ball.

Each colour sits on its own designated spot at the start of the game.

While red balls are worth one point when potted, the colours all have a different value.

In ascending order these are:

• Yellow – two points
• Green – three points
• Brown – four points
• Blue – five points
• Pink – six points
• Black – seven points

The first player will cue off and must hit at least one of the red balls in the triangle.

If they pot a red, they can then continue by potting a colour.

However, if no red is potted then their opponent will play the next shot – going for a red first.

Each player must first pot a red ball when it’s their turn to play. If nothing is pocketed it is the other player’s turn at the table.

After each red is potted they must then follow with a colour, then a red, then a colour, and so on.

Whilst there are still red balls on the table, the potted colour balls are returned to their designated spot.

Once all the red balls are pocketed, the player at the table must pot the colours in the order as outlined above.

If they miss then their opponent will have the opportunity to clear the table.

A 147 is a maximum break when all reds are potted by one player in one stint at the table.

In order to achieve 147, the player must pot all 15 reds with 15 blacks for 120 points.

They must then clear all the colours, concluding with the black for 27 points.

During play the rules state that the cue must only touch the white cue ball.

The cue ball also must hit the correct colour ball – reds or colours in order.

If it hits the incorrect colour then a foul is called.

If the cue ball fails to hit any ball or is pocketed it is also a foul.

The player’s turn at the table ends if they play a foul shot.

Players are also penalised if they touch any ball on the table with their person.