The Rocket hits Hindburn

Ronnie O'Sullivan launched a snooker and charm offensive in the NLTG Snooker Charity Challenge at Hyndburn Sports Centre this weekend. The Rocket took on Lancashire hotpots - including NLTG junior champions - in aid of Christies Cancer Research.
The 2001 World Champion fought off budding stars of the future - U18s and U16s Champion Neville Whalley, U14s Winner Jack Dady, Cameron Ashraf, the U12s Champion to raise over £3000 for Christies.
O'Sullivan was impressed by the talent of the junior challengers.

Ronnie said:"The players showed plenty of potential - they'll be beating me before long!"
O'Sullivan then partnered nine year old Haydon Wood in a doubles challenge.

Haydon who has overcome a stroke was thrilled to play with his snooker hero.

The arena erupted when Haydon broke off and missed the reds completely. He turned to Ronnie and said a heartfelt 'sorry'!
The snooker star was smitten with his new pal and when asked who his favourite player was, he replied 'Haydon Wood!'.
O'Sullivan then played with Blackpool's Lynette Horsburgh against Accrington duo Colin Morton and England junior international Chris Norbury.

O'Sullivan and Horsburgh won and then the foursome all took part in a 'pot as many balls as you can' challenge.
O'Sullivan fired in a 114 clearance with his left hand in a £1 a point 147 speed snooker event.
World Ladies number 3 Horsburgh made a 98 break before running out of time.
Postman Morton, three times winner of the North West Championship, sealed breaks of 70 and 55 while Norbury hit a top break of 49.
Snooker sensation O'Sullivan then finished off by compiling breaks of 81 and 65 with his right hand.

Organiser Russell Large from the North Lancs Training Group was delighted with the Snooker Exhibition.

Russell said:"It was a fantastic night of snooker - and it raised loads of money for a terrific cause."