Ronnie O'Sullivan admitted Ding Junhui is an 'emotional guy' after a shocking moment at the 2022 World Snooker Championship.
The Rocket watched on as his rival slammed his head against the table after a missed red.
O'Sullivan came to the defence of Ding during the 2022 World Snooker Championship
The Chinese cueist slammed his head on the table during his first round match
Ding had been facing Kyren Wilson in his first round match at the Crucible.
Meanwhile, O'Sullivan was working as a pundit during Eurosport's coverage of the tournament.
Following a miss on a seemingly routine red, Ding, who was leading at the time, angrily smashed his head onto the playing surface.
The theatrics prompted commentator Dave Hendon to wince in response.
He added: "The slate will win, I can tell you if you do that! You could see how annoyed he was - bosh!"
However, O'Sullivan came to the defence of his close friend later in the match.
Speaking from the studio, the seven-time world champion explained: "He is quite an emotional guy, Ding.
"Sometimes he can get a bit angry. He is not the quiet, meek guy that you think of him.
"If he feels a bit hard done by about something he will say what he has got to say, you know.
"There is a different animal behind there. When you get to know Ding, he is quite a serious character as well.
Ding was leading at the time he missed what seemed to be an easy red
He failed to contain his frustration - much to the shock of the spectators watching on
"He is quite a businessman, you know. He is not a silly guy."
Ding previously studied business administration and management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University earlier in his career.
Despite O'Sullivan's support, the Chinese cueist went on to lose the match.
Wilson emerged victorious as he wrapped up a 10-8 win in their best-of-19 frames encounter.
As for O'Sullivan, it proved to be a memorable tournament in Sheffield.
He went on to claim a record-equalling seventh world title by beating Judd Trump in the final.
O'Sullivan admitted Ding is an 'emotional guy' as he backed him after the match
His 18-13 victory in the showpiece match pulled him level with Stephen Hendry's tally of Crucible crowns.
However, O'Sullivan has so far been unable to become the outright record holder.
This year's title challenge ended in a semi-final loss to eventual winner Zhao Xintong.
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