Ronnie O'Sullivan plays in his socks at the World Snooker Championship before asking audience if anyone has a pair of Size 8s

The maverick ball-potter eventually borrowed a pair from the tournament director at the Crucible

Ronnie O'Sullivan (GETTY IMAGES)

Ronnie O'Sullivan borrowed a pair of shoes to play in at the World Snooker Championship after complaining that his own kicks were hurting his feet.

The player who many view as the most naturally gifted of all time was having a few foot-related issues during his first round match against Craig Steadman.

So he did what most people would do (if they weren't playing at the Crucible in the most prestigious tournament in snooker) and started playing in his socks. According to one Twitter user his opponent looked "bemused".

According to reports O'Sullivan then asked those in the audience in Sheffield if anyone could lend him a pair of Size 8s before taking up an offer to wear those of the tournament director Mike Ganley.

O'Sullivan, whose nick-name is 'Rocket Ronnie', has always shown a disdain for conformity, often playing in tournaments with his weaker left hand just to mix things up a bit.