SNOOKER fans turned out in force to watch an exhibition by five-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in Clacton.

More than 200 fans turned out to watch The Rocket at the state-of-the-art Pot Black Club, in Pier Avenue, on Saturday.

The club also welcomed John Virgo, who acted as master of ceremonies for the night – as well as putting on his own trick shot demonstration.

Aidan Owens, who owns the club, said: “I play snooker and have known Ronnie for years from when we were both in the juniors.

“It was great to show him around the club. He loved it.

“He lives in Essex, so hopefully we will see him back here in the future."

Members from the club got to play against O'Sullivan, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history.

Gazette:

  • Ronnie O'Sullivan with club owner Aidan Owens

“We had held some competitions and a raffle to give people the chance to play Ronnie, which was brilliant," added Mr Owens.

"He also signed autographs for people and posed for pictures.

“It was absolutely fantastic and we had people from far and wide come to see him – one person even came from Lille in France.

“Ronnie is the biggest name in snooker and we hope this will be a boost for us.

“Having Ronnie here will put us on the map and got more people in to see our new facilities and what we have to offer.”

The club, above the Magic City arcade, opened in September last year and has since been fully refurbished.

It has nine snooker tables, including two championship-sized Aristocrat tables, an 8ft snooker table and a match table, with the facility to live-stream games.

There are also eight English pool tables, four American pool tables, eight dart lanes, as well as a big screen TVs and a bar.