IT’S not often you get to see a genuine sporting genius in action so I’d urge anyone who gets the chance to get to the Welsh Open snooker this week.

In my nine years as a sports reporter at the Argus I’ve been lucky enough to get some of the best seats in the house free of charge to watch some of the true greats.

Seeing Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale in action has been a privilege and the same goes for the likes of Shane Williams and Jamie Roberts.

Watching Usain Bolt at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow takes some beating and I’ll never forget following Rory McIlroy and a certain Tiger Woods at Celtic Manor for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Snooker may not have the same excitement and levels of razzmatazz but in Ronnie O’Sullivan the sport boasts a shining star.

Watching his magnificent 147 clearance to clinch the Welsh Open title in Newport two years ago is right up there in the ‘I was there’ moments for me.

Rocket Ronnie wasn’t firing on all cylinders as he beat Barry Pinches in Cardiff yesterday but then suddenly burst into life with a stunning 146 break to seal victory.

That unpredictability is part of his appeal of course and anyone with any interest in snooker should do everything they can to get to the capital this week ahead of the final on Sunday evening.

O’Sullivan is 40 now and he won’t be around for ever so catch him while you can!