Brentford striker Ivan Toney joined Ronnie O’Sullivan and his dad in their celebrations after the Rocket defeated Judd Trump to win the World Grand Prix on Sunday. The footballer had only recently returned from an eight-month suspension for breaching the FA’s betting rules, scoring on his comeback in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.
In photos shared by Ronnie O’Sullivan Snr, Toney joined in with his snooker legend son as they posed for photos together. The Rocket was in a positive mood after defeating Trump in another comeback victory, just a week after overturning a deficit against Ali Carter to lift his eighth Masters title.
The nature of O’Sullivan’s relationship with Toney is unknown, but the Brentford talisman’s father was a budding snooker player and previously competed against the likes of Jimmy White and Alex Higgins.
“I have always liked and appreciated snooker,” said Toney in 2022. “My dad used to play it to a good level. He played regularly against very good club players, but he also played Jimmy White and Alex Higgins in club or exhibition matches, and other well-known players.
“He wasn’t a million miles off getting to pro level, but lost a few key matches and it went on the back burner. Snooker is very tough, with fine margins and no room for error. Northampton has seen some very good players emerge from there, or base themselves there.
“I used to play at Barratts Snooker Club in Northampton, and when I was younger I saw Rory McLeod there, I think Peter Ebdon and I’m sure Kyren Wilson has played there. My highest break? I can get between 30 and 40. And my favourite player has to be Ronnie O’Sullivan. He is aggressive every shot, and wants to pot every ball – that’s what I like.
“He says what he wants, but he backs it up by winning everything. I’d love to see the documentary coming out about him. I haven’t been to the Crucible and the World Championship yet and I would love to go. It tends to be at an important time of the season.”
Toney was spotted by a number of fans in attendance in Leicester for the World Grand Prix final and is an avid snooker fan, having also attended the 2020 Masters final where Stuart Bingham defeated Carter.
He was able to take a break from his busy schedule as a footballer, having completed his ban, to join the O’Sullivans in celebration of the World Grand Prix title and live the dream of every snooker fan.
