Ronnie O'Sullivan's decision to use traditional Triangle Chalk has drawn criticism from rival snooker players, including John Higgins and Neil Robertson, during the World Snooker Championship 2026.

What happened?

The controversy began after O'Sullivan's last-16 exit to John Higgins, with Higgins experiencing a visible kick during the deciding frame.
O'Sullivan is one of the few players on the World Snooker Tour to not adopt Taom Chalk, which has become the go-to for most professionals since its launch in 2017.

Why it matters for Ronnie O'Sullivan

Critics of the classic Triangle Chalk say it can stick to the cue ball and cause kicks when it hits the object ball, making control and positioning much harder.
The old-style chalk can also leave marks on the table and the cushions, sometimes leading to unexpected bounces.
Neil Robertson admitted he had hoped to face O'Sullivan so that he did not have to worry about the chalk, saying "ban that c**p, please" after defeating Chris Wakelin.

What comes next?

Higgins himself was not as critical as Robertson but admitted that O'Sullivan's choice of chalk had made his victory much more difficult, with the Scot saying "oh my God" as he found himself out of position on the black.
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry noted that players appeared to be struggling in matches in which Triangle Chalk was used, telling the BBC that "Ronnie uses the old-fashioned chalk that leaves a lot of marks on the table".
The World Snooker Championship 2026 has seen several high-profile players speak out against O'Sullivan's chalk, with some calling for a ban on its use.
And the debate is likely to continue, with O'Sullivan's decision to use traditional Triangle Chalk sparking a wider discussion about the equipment used in the sport.
But for now, O'Sullivan's focus will be on his next match, with the 50-year-old looking to bounce back from his last-16 exit.
So the question on everyone's mind is: will O'Sullivan switch to Taom Chalk or continue to use the traditional Triangle Chalk?
The answer may have to wait until the next tournament, but one thing is certain - the debate over O'Sullivan's chalk is far from over.