A POPULAR Wirral snooker hall has been taken over by the game's former World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Wirral Globe can reveal that O'Sullivan - nicknamed The Rocket - secretly took over Wallasey Snooker Centre in Kings Street in November last year.

And the gifted player, who lifted the Embassy World Championship trophy in May 2001, hopes the club - provisionally renamed Rocket Ronnie's - will be the first in a national chain of snooker halls.

The 27-year-old has teamed up with Wirral businessman Ged McKenzie in the venture. Mr McKenzie has links with Titan Sports, the country's leading suppliers of snooker tables, pool tables and cue sports based in Birkenhead.

The Globe understands a total of £200,000 has been ploughed into project for both the takeover itself and an extensive refurbishment of the club.

O'Sullivan, whose career earnings already top the £3 million mark, is expected to have his own table at the club where he can practice before competitions in the north of England.

He's also expected to attend an official re-opening of the club as Rocket Ronnie's in March.

One source told Wirral Globe: "Everyone knew the club was up for sale and it's always so busy that it was just a matter of time before someone took it over.

"But absolutely nobody expected the biggest name in the game to come along and buy it!

"It's quite a coup for the town because Ronnie is hero-worshipped by snooker fans across the world, especially youngsters. He's a fantastic ambassador for the game.

"So this is great news for the snooker club itself and great news for Wirral."

Liscard councillor Alan Robinson said he was "delighted" about the takeover.

"I'm very pleased - delighted even," he said. "We are looking at developing the King Street and Brighton Street area and so obviously any outside investment is always welcome.

"The very fact that the centre is being refurbished can only add to the general look of the area. And the fact that someone so well known and respected in his sport has opted to invest in Wallasey is very good news indeed."

Along with the coveted Embassy World Championship in 2001, O'Sullivan, ranked number two in the world and dubbed "the Mozart of snooker" by rival Peter Ebdon, has won the UK championship three times, and both the Regal Scottish and China Open tournaments twice each.