Snooker's Bad Boys: The Feuds, Fist Fights and Fixes

Snooker's Bad Boys explores the feuds, fist fights, fixes, and playboys that put snooker on the front and back pages of the national press, featuring exclusive eyewitness accounts of Alex Higgins, Jimmy White, Ronnie O Sullivan, and other rogues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 24 July 2023
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

Snooker's Bad Boys takes us back to a time when snooker players were better paid than footballers and lived like rock stars. It delves into the feuds, fist fights, fixes, and playboys that put the sport on the front and back pages of the national press, as told by those who were there. In 1986, The Daily Telegraph wrote about the state of snooker, condemning infidelity, wife desertion, murmurs of arranged matches, and hints of betting coups. The paper claimed that bad management and players' back-street behavior were killing the game. However, the truth was that the public always wanted to know what Alex Higgins, Jimmy White, and other bad boys of the green baize might do next. Higgins was the original hellraiser, and Snooker's Bad Boys features exclusive eyewitness accounts of his rise and fall, along with the troubles and triumphs of Jimmy White, Ronnie O Sullivan, and many other rogues who drank, gambled, partied, and potted their way into the hearts of millions—from the sport's peak years in the 1980s up to the present day.

Introduction:
Snooker's Bad Boys takes us on a nostalgic journey back to a time when snooker players were not only celebrated for their skills on the green baize but also for their extravagant lifestyles and controversial reputations. In the 1980s and 1990s, snooker was at its peak, with players like Alex Higgins, Jimmy White, and Ronnie O Sullivan captivating the hearts of millions worldwide. These players were not only known for their exceptional talent but also for their wild antics, feuds, and ******* lifestyles.

The Rise of the Bad Boys:
Alex Higgins, known as "The Hurricane," was the ultimate bad boy of snooker. He was a larger-than-life character who loved to drink, gamble, and party. His on-court behavior was often unpredictable, and he was known for his outbursts and tantrums. Despite his wild reputation, Higgins was a fierce competitor who won three World Championships and countless other titles.

Jimmy White, on the other hand, was the quintessential English gentleman. He was known for his calm demeanor, impeccable dress sense, and gentlemanly conduct. However, beneath his polished exterior, White had a rebellious side. He was a fierce competitor who won seven World Championships and countless other titles.

Ronnie O Sullivan, known as "The Rocket," was a wild card of the snooker world. He was a flamboyant character who loved to party, wear outrageous costumes, and play pranks on his opponents. O Sullivan's on-court behavior was often unpredictable, and he was known for his flamboyant shots and outrageous celebrations.

The Feuds and Controversies:
The bad boys of snooker were not only known for their on-court antics but also for their feuds and controversies. Higgins and White were arch-rivals who had a long-standing feud that spanned several decades. The two players were known for their heated exchanges on the green baize, and their feud even spilled over into the off-court world.

O Sullivan was also involved in several controversies throughout his career. He was accused of match-fixing, and there were rumors that he had bet on his own matches. O Sullivan denied these allegations, but his reputation was tarnished nonetheless.

The ******* Lifestyle:
The bad boys of snooker lived like rock stars, with their lavish lifestyles and extravagant spending. They traveled the world, attended parties, and dated some of the most beautiful women in the world. Their fame and fortune allowed them to live a life of luxury, and they were often seen in the pages of magazines and newspapers.

The Legacy:
Despite their controversial reputations, the bad boys of snooker left a lasting legacy on the sport. They brought excitement and drama to the game, and their on-court performances were often thrilling to watch. Their feuds and controversies also helped to increase the popularity of snooker, as the public were eager to see what these players would do next.

In conclusion, Snooker's Bad Boys takes us back to a time when snooker players were better paid than footballers and lived like rock stars. It explores the feuds, fist fights, fixes, and playboys that put the sport on the front and back pages of the national press. The book features exclusive eyewitness accounts of the rise and fall of Alex Higgins, Jimmy White, Ronnie O Sullivan, and many other rogues who drank, gambled, partied, and potted their way into the hearts of millions. Despite their controversial reputations, the bad boys of snooker left a lasting legacy on the sport, and their on-court performances were often thrilling to watch.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 222 x 144 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801504454