Alex Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan

In a year when the snooker world said goodbye to its favourite son, another figure, also loved by millions and tolerated (just) by the establishment, arrived in Southampton.

Snooker lovers and snooker agnostics were all touched by the death of Alex Higgins. His story filled newspapers across the world.

We all loved him. Whether we would have done so if we had worked with him is another matter.

In September, another thorn in the side of snooker’s ruling classes arrived at Southampton Guildhall for a Premier League match.

Ronnie O’Sullivan had much to say as he munched on an apple in the make-up room:

“I was lucky because I had a father that was disciplined with me and was showing me the right and wrong way to do things. I think that’s something that young kids need, a bit of guidance in the early days.”

And:

“I know what to do; I sometimes can’t do it myself on a snooker table but I know what are the right things to do.”

And why he pulled out of the Shanghai Masters:

“I’ve got important matters to deal with at home. It’s unfortunate; I’m disappointed. I like to play in all the tournaments. It’s just the way it is at the moment for me.”

And why he often plays left handed:

“I started playing years ago when my right handed was crap. I thought I’ve got to find another way. So I thought I’d try left and that felt OK. It’s just a bit more stability. I feel comfortable left-handed and that’s the only reason why I do it. I don’t like doing it but it just makes me feel happy sometimes.”

And on his first cousin Maria Catalano, who is ranked second on the women’s circuit:

“She’s a very, very good player. She just can’t seem to get the victories. She keeps getting to the finals.

“Reanne (Evans) is a very good player so it’s no disgrace getting beat by Reanne.

“I’m sure, knowing Maria’s determination, it’s not good enough getting to the final – she wants to win these events. I’m sure it will happen for her one day soon and she’ll be the number one player in the world.”

‘The Rocket’ will return, hopefully.

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