Ronnie O’Sullivan has expressed his condolences following the passing of Mika Immonen, a renowned pool player who recently succumbed to cancer at the age of 52.

Immonen, a former world nineball pool champion, was highly esteemed in the sport and shared a close friendship with snooker icon O’Sullivan, who was deeply saddened by his loss.

In a heartfelt message on social media, O’Sullivan lamented the passing of his dear friend Mika, highlighting their cherished moments together, both on and off the pool table. Immonen, recognized as one of the greatest pool players of his era, achieved significant milestones such as winning the World Nineball Championship in 2001 and securing consecutive US Open Pool Championship titles in 2008 and 2009.

Fondly known as The Iceman, Immonen’s legacy extended to his participation in the Mosconi Cup, where he represented Team Europe on 15 occasions and contributed to four victorious campaigns. He was honored as the player of the decade for the 2000s and achieved a pinnacle in 2012 by clinching the World Cup for Finland alongside Petri Makkonen.

Matchroom Pool expressed profound sorrow over Immonen’s passing, recognizing his exceptional talent and unwavering spirit on the pool table. The tribute emphasized Immonen’s courageous battle against cancer, acknowledging his enduring impact on fans and peers worldwide.

Immonen’s admirers have flooded social media with heartfelt messages, praising his sportsmanship and resilience. Reflecting on his cancer diagnosis in 2023, Immonen shared his determination to combat the illness and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from his loved ones, fans, and sponsors.

The pool community mourns the loss of a true legend, remembering Mika Immonen as a formidable competitor and a beloved figure in the sport.