LONDON — For over four decades, one man has been quietly shaping the tools behind Ronnie O'Sullivan's legendary snooker career. John Parris, the master cue craftsman, has been handcrafting cues for the seven-time world champion since the 1980s, earning a reputation as the man behind "the holy grail" of snooker equipment.
O'Sullivan, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, has often spoken about the importance of his cue, calling it "an extension of my arm." Behind that precision lies Parris's meticulous craftsmanship, a blend of tradition and innovation that has made his cues the gold standard in the sport.
The Art of Cue Crafting
Parris, now in his 70s, operates from a modest workshop in London, where he continues to handcraft cues using techniques honed over 50 years. Each cue takes approximately 30 hours to complete, with the process involving:
- Selecting premium ash or maple wood
- Precision tapering to exact specifications
- Hand-finishing with up to 15 layers of oil
"The relationship between a player and their cue is almost spiritual," Parris explains. "When Ronnie first came to me as a teenager, I could tell immediately he had that rare connection with the wood."
The O'Sullivan Connection
O'Sullivan first visited Parris's workshop in 1988 as a 12-year-old prodigy. Their partnership has endured through all seven of O'Sullivan's World Championship victories. The player's current cue, made in 2015, is estimated to be worth over £25,000.
A Cue Like No Other
What makes an O'Sullivan cue special? Parris reveals the specifications:
- 57.5 inches long (shorter than standard)
- 17.5 ounces in weight
- 9.5mm tip (smaller than average)
"Ronnie's cue is lighter and more responsive than most," Parris notes. "It's built for speed and touch - perfect for his natural attacking style."
The Search for Perfection
Even after decades of collaboration, the quest for the perfect cue continues. O'Sullivan famously destroyed one of his Parris cues in frustration during a 2010 tournament, leading to a frantic search for a replacement.
"That was a dark day," Parris recalls. "Ronnie called me in tears. We worked through the night to create a new cue that matched his exact requirements. That's the level of trust we've built."
The Future of Craftsmanship
With Parris nearing retirement, questions arise about who might continue his legacy. His son, John Parris Jr., has begun learning the craft, but the master remains cautious: "This isn't something you can rush. It takes decades to develop the feel."
O'Sullivan, now 48, continues to break records with his Parris-made cues. As the snooker legend recently told BBC Sport: "When I pick up one of John's cues, it's like coming home. That consistency is priceless in our sport."
For Parris, the satisfaction comes from knowing his work enables snooker's greatest talent: "Seeing what Ronnie can do with one of my cues... that's why I still come to work every day."
As the snooker world looks ahead to future championships, one thing remains certain - the search for that perfect connection between player and cue continues. And for O'Sullivan, that search will always lead back to a small London workshop and the master craftsman who understands his game better than anyone.
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