“Surreal” experience for Swaffield

TAKING on Ronnie O’Sullivan at The Crucible with Jan Verhaas refereeing and John Virgo commentating was “surreal”, declared a league player from Salisbury.

It should be pointed out that the venue was actually The Crucible Sports & Social Club, Newbury.

Richard Swaffield, the joint owner of Cavanfields Autocentre, in Tidworth, was one of the lucky few to play (and nearly beat) the five-time world champion during an exhibition evening.

The 43-year-old clawed back a deficit with a well-constructed 42 break but O’Sullivan laid a fiendish snooker behind the black on the final red.

Despite some ‘assistance’ from Virgo, Swaffield left a free ball for The Rocket to clear to the black.

“To be playing such a legend within a few days of him playing in the Masters was an amazing experience,” said Swaffield, who competes in the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League and on the Cuestars South of England Seniors (40+) Tour.

“Even though I eventually lost the frame, I was pleased to get in and make a 40-plus break.

“It was made even more surreal with Jan Verhaas reffing and John Virgo commentating.”

Picture by Simon Peacock: Richard Swaffield (left) and Ronnie O’Sullivan

Report by Tim Dunkley.