Ronnie O'Sullivan 'devastated' as pool legend Mika Immonen dies aged 52

Ronnie O'Sullivan has paid tribute to Mika Immonen after the legendary pool player passed away aged 52. Immonen has died after a lengthy battle with cancer.

The former world nineball pool champion was a hero in the sport and was a friend of snooker great O'Sullivan, who has been devastated by his death.

He wrote on X: "So sad to hear of the passing of my friend Mika, someone I did not see enough of but thought a great deal of. Stayed at my house on times in UK and enjoyed our runs in the forest, one of the greatest pool players of the generation, an honour to share a pool table with him but also the personal times together I will never forget. Sadly missed, devastated today. x"

Immonen became the only Finnish star to win the World Nineball Championship in 2001. And he went on to establish himself as a legend of the sport by winning back-to-back US Open Pool Championship titles in 2008 and 2009.

READ MORE: Mark Williams' comments after £100,000 British Open win say it all about snooker legend

READ MORE: Who is Stan Moody? 'Luke Littler of snooker' tipped for big things by Ronnie O'Sullivan

Immonen, known as The Iceman, played at the Mosconi Cup, representing Team Europe on 15 occasions, helping to win the competition four times. He was named player of the decade for the 2000s.

His crowning achievement came in 2012 when he lifted the World Cup for Finland alongside Petri Makkonen. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2023.

Matchroom Pool wrote: "Matchroom and the World Nineball Tour are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mika Immonen.

"Immonen, known as The Iceman, was widely considered by fans, peers, and pundits to be one of the greatest to ever play the game whilst in his prime. His fearless playing style and incredible shot making won the adoration of fans all over the world.

"A fierce and passionate competitor on the table, his biggest battle came off the table when diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Our thoughts are with Mika's family, friends, and many fans during this incredibly sad time. Rest in Peace, Iceman."

Fans have paid tribute to Immonen. One wrote: "A warrior on the table but a gentleman off it, rest in peace Iceman." Another added: "Sad to read that. May god bless him. Condolences to Mika's family."

Writing on social media two years ago, Immonen revealed his devastating diagnosis. "With much shock to even myself, I am withdrawing from any foreseeable tournaments as I will be fighting the greatest match of my life," he wrote.

"I was experiencing excruciating pain and therefore sleep deprivation while playing and still placing in the quarterfinals in the all Japan championships this past November. I was helped by Naoyuki Oi to the ER to get some answers. Thank you bro. It was a start of a long road of tests... Finally in Costa Rica the biopsy & imaging revealed a stage IV cancer diagnosis.

"My oncologists have informed me that this type of cancer, while very serious, responds well to treatment and although I have an arduous wellness journey before me, I hope to be back in action as soon as practically possible. I am in good hands and I thank you for some of the responses I'm already getting. Everything helps. I'm very optimistic!

"Again I thank my family and friends, my fans and my sponsors. I could not do this without you! I love this game, I love this community, and I love my fans."