Ronnie O’Sullivan instructs World Snooker on the right path, while John Higgins allegedly blames someone else for the Macau 5 anger.![](https://www.bbcsport247.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/52819338442_45d58fbfc6_k-1024x683-1.jpg)
O’Sullivan and Higgins are in conflict with authorities regarding unregulated matches in China.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, the face of World Snooker, is facing disciplinary proceedings from governing bodies after attacking the World Snooker Tour (WST) last month. O’Sullivan, who has been the sport’s face for almost 30 years, feels under-appreciated by bosses and wants free reign to pursue lucrative exhibition matches in places like China. The WST has been reluctant to sanction such actions, especially when it clashes with their own tours. The player-power saga began last month when the ‘Macau 5′, including Mark Selby, John Higgins, Luca Brecel, Ali Carter, and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, were threatened with disciplinary action for snubbing the Northern Ireland Open for an unsanctioned event in China.
O’Sullivan plans to continue playing his own game, even if it means renouncing snooker altogether.
World Snooker (WST) has been criticized for its focus on 130 players, which some players feel is not suitable for them. The player, who has not spoken to WST for ten years, believes that the organization’s culture is not suitable for him and that he should focus on his own career. He wishes he could focus on tournaments, which have good sponsors and big prize money, but he doesn’t want to share the profits with 130 players when he travels to China or other parts of the world. He doesn’t want to completely turn his back on snooker but needs to secure the lives of his family and other half.
Higgins has received negative letters from WST, asking him to consider his future within the game. He believes he has done a lot for the game but has not received a well-done letter expressing his admiration for the game. He plans to play in China and do his own shows, but is reluctant to accept ten times the sums offered to players in the US.
Higgins takes a more diplomatic stance on the WST feud, blaming the players’ representatives for the situation.
The player expressed disappointment with the recent headlines surrounding the players’ association and the lack of representation from the players’ side. He acknowledged that WST’s side has to protect their entity, but felt there was no decent back-up or dialogue. O’Sullivan, who beat Scot Anthony McGill to reach the last 16 of the UK Championships, will face Robert Milkins in the next round. HigginsHiggins, meanwhile, faces Zhou Yuelong, with both legends in action on Thursday.