Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the Masters just two days before he was due to play in the first round and has called for World Snooker to make changes to the sport
Ronnie O’Sullivan has called on World Snooker to bring in top mental health support for players feeling the pressure.
‘The Rocket’ gave up the chance to retain his Masters title by withdrawing from the tournament ahead of the first round. O’Sullivan took the decision shortly after recently breaking a cue in frustration following a defeat in the Championship League.
It is not the first time that O’Sullivan has asked for World Snooker to go the extra step to protect players’ welfare. Last year, the seven-time world champion stated that a doctor should be in attendance at every snooker tournament, a policy that may have stopped O’Sullivan from dropping out of The Masters.
“I think World Snooker should have somebody. In football, they have masseuses, people sorting out injuries,” O’Sullivan said on Eurosport. “I think snooker should have someone at the tournament employed as like if someone is struggling, they’ve come off the table, ‘Do you need 10 minutes with someone?’
“I’m not saying everyone will go in there but I just think a lot of players suffer in silence basically. I can tell, just look at them and they’re struggling. They should have someone to go and talk to. I think that’s so important. You have coaches sorting your correction out but really you need someone just to unload a bit. I think it would really help the players.”
While pointing out that the players are already represented on the World Snooker board, O’Sullivan added: “I know Shaun Murphy is part of the panel but they could find the money to employ someone full-time to be there for the players. It really is tough mentally.
“He’s [Mark Selby] struggled mentally and I struggle mentally and John Higgins struggles mentally. The other 124 are a million per cent struggling mentally but you’re not allowed: ‘Oh, what’s the matter? You’re a snooker player, you’re getting paid this and that’. Well, it’s not about the money. It’s just pride of performance.
“You want to put a show on for the crowd, you want to put a show on for yourself, you want to play well and when you don’t it can really drive you crazy. Sometimes, a little five, 10 minutes: ‘I’m alright now, I can sleep now and look forward to tomorrow’. Instead of going back and beating yourself up.”
Despite his concerns about the welfare of snooker’s top stars, O’Sullivan has reassured fans that he is doing well after pulling out of the Masters. O’Sullivan was the reigning Masters champion, having defeated Ali Carter in the final last year to claim a record eighth title.