Snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan has flown all across the world and has sat next to countless strangers over the years on planes.
But ‘The Rocket’ has revealed there’s only one individual he wants to share an armrest with more than anyone else on the planet.
When asked by Eurosport, as quoted by The Sun, which of his snooker compatriots he’d be most keen to sit next to on a plane, O’Sullivan’s response was instant.
“Jimmy White,” O’Sullivan said.
“Best company in the world, he’s funny, he’s lovely, he’s got a big heart, beautiful.
“He’s one of my best mates, I love him.”
White, who is 14 years O’Sullivan’s senior, was ‘The Rocket’s’ idol when he began his snooker career.
The affection is mutual between the pair, with White revealing in 2021 some of the escapades the pair have been on.
“We’ve been good friends,” White said.
“We’ve helped each other with our careers over the years. We’re good pals, when we’re away from snooker the last thing we talk about is snooker.
“We enjoy each other’s company, he’s a great guy to be around. What I love about Ronnie is he is genuine, he does speak his mind, sometimes he gets himself into trouble with that but that’s the way he is.
“He’s my mate and if he let me down it would hurt, that’s what real mates feel about each other.
“We’ve had some great days out, at the tennis, racing, clubbing, these are many years ago, but we always, always have a laugh.”
One plane ride O’Sullivan is unlikely to sit next to White on is his flight out of China after he was bundled out of the International Championship in the last 32.
The seven-time world champion went down 6-4 to Pang Junxu in Nanjing.
O’Sullivan reacted to the defeat on social media as he took in the sights of the host city.
“Out and about in Nanjing,” O’Sullivan wrote.
“Disappointed to be out but I’m feeling good.”
O’Sullivan’s appearance at the International Championship was his first since a crushing first round loss at the English Open to China’s He Guoqiang.
After the defeat, O’Sullivan hinted at retirement and subsequently pulled out of several events.
