SNOOKER legend Ronnie O'Sullivan thrilled fans with an exhibition event in Barrow - with Furness players stepping up to take on the genius of the sport.

The crowd was in awe as they watched the five-times World Champion in action at Hawcoat Park last night. Some of them even bravely went up against The Rocket over eight frames.

John Virgo opened the night with some of his favourite trick shots, inviting members of the sell-out audience to come up and have a go.

Then it was down to business with the great man giving a masterful display on the green baize.

First up was Ian Murray, of Walney who managed to get 15 points to 65.

The 61-year-old former league player for West Shore, who now plays a bit at Furness Golf Club, said: "It was fantastic. He is one of my heroes and the greatest player of all time. The highlight was actually potting the ball."

The Rocket scored a century break against Luke Higgins, with the final score being 136 to 0. The 24-year-old of Dalton, said: "The experience was amazing, I'm a big fan. I've seen him play at Preston and it is brilliant that he is playing in Barrow. I said before that I wanted him to put in a century break in against me and he did."

He joked: "I still say if I'd potted the red it would have been a different game."

Final year vet student, Ryan Steel had the crowd behind him and he managed 19 points to 119.

The 22-year-old of Dalton, who plays a bit of pool, even sat down and took a sip from the legend's bottle of water as he thought it was for him

The challenger said: "It was marvellous, I wont get to do that again.

"It was a good laugh."

Nine-year-old pool player, William Sargeant, of Dalton, good his cue signed and said: "It was exciting to met him, he's a great player, the best."

Referee Martin McDonald, of Ulverston, said: "It's amazing and a great experience for me."

Speaking to the Evening Mail the snooker legend said: "It's good to be in Barrow. We came here a long time ago for a Premier League match 10 or 12 years ago. It's good to travel the country and see all the snooker fans. It's good to be here.

"I just enjoy playing snooker whoever it's against, especially when people come out and expect you to do good things. There is a little bit of pressure to perform and entertain, but as long as they are having a good time and enjoying it, that's the most important thing."

Glenn Higgins, the events coordinator at Hawcoat Park said: "We've been very lucky to get Ronnie here, it's fantastic. People travel around the country to see great sportspeople like him and now he is on their doorstep."