World Championship

One Direction star causes stir at snooker

ESPN staff

April 21, 2014

Louis Tomlinson meets Ronnie O'Sullivan backstage at the Crucible © Getty Images

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Ronnie O'Sullivan is used to being centre of attention at the Crucible Theatre, but the 'Rocket' was forced to play second fiddle to a more famous face during his World Championship first round match.

One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson sparked a frenzy for snooker among teenage girls after he was spotted in the crowd in Sheffield as O'Sullivan cruised to victory over Robin Hull.

@Louis_Tomlinson Heyy pretty boy!! Heard you were at a snooker championship!! Hope you had fun! Love you so much Tommo! <3 xxxxxxx
— §. ☆ (@NiallerDeluxe) April 20, 2014

@Louis_Tomlinson can't believe you were in sheffield yesterday :( hope you enjoyed the snooker , happy easter , love you ☺️
— (@nouissweetiex) April 20, 2014

Despite lacking in snooker experience, Tomlinson is clearly an ardent O'Sullivan fan. He told the Sun: "It was very exciting. It was my first visit to the Crucible - or any match."

O'Sullivan, who beat Hull 10-4, was at ease with his celebrity backing. He said: "Louis is a friend of a friend. I felt a bit of pressure to put on a show for him. I think he enjoyed it."

Tomlinson has a track record of causing a stir among sporting audiences. In February he turned out for Doncaster Rovers Reserves, drawing a huge crowd of teenage fans to Keepmoat Stadium.

His reception on Twitter was far friendlier than the one received by bandmate Niall Horan earlier this year. Horan's criticism of Mike Phillips during Wales' Six Nations defeat by Ireland was met with the offer of a fight from the scrum-half.