There’s a fine line between ingenuity and insanity and perhaps Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of snooker’s greatest prodigies ever, is the biggest proof of that.

Having been known to smash cues, smoke marijuana before matches and mumble obscenities during press conferences, the man obviously seems to have a personal issue or two.

But think about it – big, unforgettable artists like Vincent van Gogh and not entirely sane writers like Hunter S Thompson probably wouldn’t have been able to produce the things they did without being a little crazy. Sportsmen, however, are expected to be calm and focused and being a sportsman, O’Sullivan is a somewhat unusual case even if he could be seen as a true artist when performing at the table.

Snooker involves so much more than just potting balls. It is a sport that requires strategy, deliberation and creativity and this might be where O’Sullivan’s more “artistic” side comes in. He spots openings that were invisible to mere mortals and when he gets out of position he often comes up with a new creative idea. The audience marvels at his inventive nature as he clears the table in a way no-one thought possible.

Snooker has seen many talents during the years but most of them were just technical wizards. The kind of skill O’Sullivan possesses goes beyond technique and borders on artistry. Maybe that sort of rare talent just can’t exist without a twist?