Ronnie O’Sullivan hailed for ‘one of the greatest bits of sportsmanship ever’ in bizarre incident

An 'unbelievable' moment at the World Snooker Championships saw Ronnie O'Sullivan get praised for his sportsmanship.

During a crucial frame in his quarter-final clash against Stuart Bingham, O'Sullivan was left in a peculiar situation after potting the black as he looked to chase down his opponent.

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The referee had trouble putting the black back on its spot as it did not stay still, leaving O'Sullivan unhappy with the placement.

With the white ball slightly tucked in behind the black, preventing him from a shot on the red, it turned out to be a crucial moment in the game - with the frame likely going to whoever potted next.

He offered Bingham to take a look but he refused before the 'Rocket' showed immense sportsmanship by taking a safety shot instead, leading to rapturous applause from the Crucible crowd.

Speaking on commentary, 2010 world champion Neil Robertson said: "He played safe even though he could pot the red. It's unbelievable.

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"This is probably one of the greatest bits of sportsmanship I have ever seen in any sport. That's incredible.

"I've never seen anything like that before."

O'Sullivan was trailing Bingham 43-29 but was looking in resurgent form as he looked to take the frame, which would have nudged him 7-5 ahead and in a commanding position.

However, Bingham went on to take the frame to level the scores in a contest that has already seen plenty of twists and turns.

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Fans took to social media to praise O'Sullivan, who is looking to win his eighth World Snooker Championship title and showed no mercy in the next frame, flying out of the traps to regain the lead and make it 7-6.

One fan wrote: "Well I’ve given Ronnie plenty of stick down the years for questionable behaviour but this is complete different level in terms of sportsmanship, fair play hope he wins his eighth world now."

Another wrote: "Ronnie O'Sullivan you absolute legend. You can't buy class and integrity."

A third posted: "Just seen Ronnie O’Sullivan with one of the greatest piece of sportsmanship I have ever seen in world sports."

This fan said: "Unbelievable sportsmanship by Ronnie O’Sullivan."

While another put: "Say what you want about Ronnie O'Sullivan but that is a touch of class. Fair play."