Seven-time snooker world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has vowed to stroll away from the game if he is compelled to chop down on the time he spends enjoying in China.
O’Sullivan, 47, has spoken often about how a lot he enjoys enjoying occasions within the Far East, which give profitable alternatives for snooker gamers. The Rocket and different UK-based stars might face sanctions in the event that they miss occasions to play in exhibitions elsewhere, with O’Sullivan describing the game as “at a crossroads.”
“If I can’t go and do what I need to do, which is play a lot in China, I won’t ever play again,” he advised the BBC‘s Amol Rajan. “So, we’re at a sort of crossroads now.
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“If that gets to the point where I’m not able to do that, I’m not allowed to do that, I probably won’t play. I’ll probably go and play Chinese eight-ball, because I still want to play snooker, I still want a cue in my hand. There’s just not enough here in the UK for me to justify the effort that I put in.”
O’Sullivan tops the bill for prize money won in snooker after earning more than £13million from tournaments over the course of his career. Nonetheless, the outspoken star has been heavily critical of the low funds on offer at WST events over the years.
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(Image: VCG by way of Getty Images)
O’Sullivan is adamant he’ll proceed to play as he pleases in China given the superior incomes alternatives out there. He added: “If someone’s going to respect me and value me more, why would I not go there? It’s like being in an unhealthy relationship with someone, why would you be in that?”
(Image: VCG by way of Getty Images)
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The Rocket wants another World Snooker Championship title to overhaul Stephen Hendry and turn out to be the game’s biggest participant outright. The two legends are at present stage on seven titles apiece.
The WST – which is owned and run by Barry Hearn’s Mathroom Sport – advised the BBC it was pleased for O’Sullivan to construct snooker’s profile by enjoying overseas. However, the physique additionally described his suggestion he is not celebrated sufficient on British shores as ‘ridiculous’ and stated that it confronted challenges becoming new tournaments into an already busy schedule.
Ronnie O’Sullivan: Amol Rajan Interviews airs on BBC Two at 7pm tonight [Wednesday].