Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has shared his thoughts on when players should stop chasing snookers in frames that appear beyond reach.
The seven-time world champion was responding to a question from football icon Ally McCoist about the 'unwritten rules' of the sport.
The discussion took place on Discovery just hours ago, with McCoist curious about when professionals typically concede frames rather than pursuing unlikely comebacks.
O'Sullivan, who recently returned to competitive action after a three-month break, offered insight into the tactical decision-making process that players face when trailing significantly in frames.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was asked about snooker's 'unwritten law'
TNT
The Rocket's response revealed both the mathematical and psychological aspects of such decisions.
McCoist, speaking on Discovery, posed a direct question to O'Sullivan about frame concessions.
"At what point do you guys think there's an unwritten rule that snookers are out of the question?" the Scot asked.
"I take it you look at the balls and the situation and you say 'no, I need two, I need three', is there an unwritten law?"
"I can see you maybe getting a little bit annoyed if somebody started going for snookers and they needed two or three."
O'Sullivan's response acknowledged that while chasing multiple snookers is technically possible, practicality often dictates players' decisions.
"Yeah, I mean it's possible I suppose. Some players are good at getting snookers and they can get six, seven snookers on the trot," he said.
"The guys now are so good at getting out of them that you think 'If I need three or four then maybe let's just get on with the next frame'.
Ally McCoist asked Ronnie O'Sullivan the question during a chat pre-match
TNT
"I got five once in one frame, in the qualifiers when I was 16. Craig Edwards (who it was against)."
O'Sullivan's insights come fresh from his triumphant return to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
The 49-year-old recently dispatched long-time rival Ali Carter with a convincing 10-4 victory in the first round of the World Snooker Championship.
After leading by a narrow 5-4 margin following the first session, O'Sullivan demonstrated his championship pedigree.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Ali Carter 10-4 on Wednesday
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He produced a devastating spell of play in the second session, winning five consecutive frames to secure his progression.
The victory marks an impressive comeback for the Rocket, who had been absent from competitive snooker for three months prior to the tournament.
O'Sullivan is now pursuing what would be a record-extending eighth world title at the iconic venue.
