Ronnie O’Sullivan has intensified his stance on the snooker quit threat after refusing peace talks.
Ronnie O’Sullivan secured passage to the second round of the UK Championship, admitting that his relationship with snooker bosses is non-existent due to scheduling issues.
Snooker superstar Ronnie O’Sullivan has refused to hold peace talks with the sport’s authorities, citing disciplinary proceedings and a threat to quit the game if he isn’t allowed to fulfill personal commitments in China. The World Snooker Tour (WST) is offering face-to-face meetings for players to voice grievances about the sport’s running at the UK Championship. O’Sullivan, who won his eighth UK title with a 6-2 victory over qualifier Anthony McGill, stated that he hasn’t spoken to anyone at World Snooker for 10 years and will never reach out to them.
The author expresses dissatisfaction with the snooker culture and the focus on 130 players, stating that not all players have the same opportunities. They wish they could focus on tournaments, as golfers have good sponsors and big prize money. However, they cannot afford to share the same income with 130 players in China or other parts of the world, who pay 10 or 15 times more than they do in their home country. They don’t want to completely abandon snooker but must prioritize their family and other members’ lives.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, is seeking his eighth UK title after feeling under-appreciated by his bosses. He wants the ability to cash in with big-money exhibitions, which players’ contracts can restrict. This follows the player-power saga that erupted last month when the ‘Macau 5’ were threatened with disciplinary action for snubbing the Northern Ireland Open for an unsanctioned event in China.
O’Sullivan expressed disappointment in not receiving a well-done letter for his efforts in the game, stating that he has done a lot for it but never received a letter praising the viewing figures or the salaries of the players. Meanwhile, three-time UK winner John Higgins began his charge for the £250,000 top prize with a 6-3 victory over Joe O’Connor.
