Ronnie still mouring

Ronnie O'Sullivan has hinted that the reason for his UK Championship walkout is because he is still in mourning for pal Paul Hunter.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has hinted that the reason for his UK Championship walkout is because he is still in mourning for pal Paul Hunter. O’Sullivan surrendered his quarter-final clash with Stephen Hendry at 4-1 down, with a statement the following day blaming his actions on "a bad day at the office".

However, Ronnie has now said he knew nothing about the statement issued by his PR company.

Three times Wembley Masters champion Hunter died in October after an 18-month battle against cancer and is still sorely missed by O'Sullivan.

He said: "I remember what a great person Paul was. I still think about him a lot.

"He was not just a great snooker player, although I don't think people knew how good he really was.

"But as a person, he never seemed down. He was always happy, always the optimist. He appreciated everything he had. He was such a lucky person.

"He was good to hang about with as there was such an energy about him. That was a natural instinct for him, whereas I'm a bit of a pessimist.

"If he'd lost a match he'd say good luck, go and get it won and he meant every word.

"I wasn't one of his closest friends but we spent some time where we'd have three or four days together when we were away. I got to know him on that basis. We had a right good laugh and we'd do some mad things."

Peter Ebdon, who went on to beat Hendry in the York final to become only the ninth player to win World and UK crowns, has offered his support to O'Sullivan, who is still unsure whether he will face disciplinary action.

Ebdon said: "I'm sure Ronnie is okay because he is a strong person and he'll pull through but if I can ever help him he knows where I am."

Both Ebdon and O'Sullivan attended Hunter's funeral in Leeds last October.