Ronnie O’Sullivan has snubbed an invite to the inaugural Champions Dinner ahead of the World Snooker Championship, Express Sport understands. The event, which is similar to the dinner held for previous winners of the historic golf tournament the Masters, is set to take place for the first time this evening (Thursday).
O’Sullivan hasn’t played a professional snooker match since breaking his cue in a Championship League clash with Robert Milkins at the start of the year. The Rocket is expected to take his place at the World Championship in Sheffield, however, with the tournament set to get underway on Saturday. The draw for the first round took place on Thursday morning, with O’Sullivan selected to take on his nemesis Ali Carter.
There are 19 former World Championship winners still alive, with 12 of them accepting their invitation to the Champions Dinner. Reigning champion Kyren Wilson will be in attendance alongside the likes of Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis.
But Express Sport understands O’Sullivan will not attend the event. He is expected to feature in the Green Carpet ceremony on Friday, where the world’s top 16 players walk from the Winter Garden in the centre of Sheffield to the Crucible on a carpet that matches the colour of the green baize.
The 49-year-old is also due to undertake his pre-tournament media duties as normal as he aims to win the crown for a record eighth time.
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