Ronnie O’Sullivan has sent a message to snooker promoters. (Image: Getty)
A defiant Ronnie O’Sullivan has put snooker’s governing bodies on notice, warning they must open their wallets or he will simply walk away. The seven-time world champion is resolute that he is not a slave to the sport, and money will determine where and when he takes to the table for future appearances.
O’Sullivan delivered his forthright verdict when questioned about the shock cancellation of the lucrative Saudi Arabia Masters just two years into a 10-year agreement. The Rocket also operates a snooker academy in Riyadh and made his position crystal clear: “Any tournament I go to, they all know they have to get the cheque book out, so where ever I go that’s standard. If that stops then I stop.
“Wherever it is, Saudi, Qatar, China, here, whatever it is, I always make sure I’ve got some sort of fee coming because otherwise people know that I won’t turn up.”
When pressed on whether his academy would be impacted, O’Sullivan, who is based in Dubai, responded: “I have other options, so I’m not really worried.
“Hopefully Saudi still want to do some stuff, but we’ll have to wait and see, then I’ll make my decisions based on whatever happens there.”
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O’Sullivan has been highly selective about which events he enters over the past couple of years, and that approach looks set to continue into the forthcoming season.
He said: “It depends, if my sponsors are on board, then I’ll play, but I’m not two feet in like pretty much most of the guys. I’m just grateful to be playing, and enjoying my playing and that’s it. And if I don’t enjoy it, I’ll take time out. We’ll see. It’s too hard to start speculating about next year.
Ronnie O’Sullivan during his match against John Higgins. (Image: PA)
“I’m just enjoying myself I’m having good fun, I’m just enjoying life and whatever I’m doing, so win, lose, draw, there’s always a safety net below. I’m not two feet in. I try my nuts off when I’m out there, but I also appreciate that I’m not a slave to the game.”
O’Sullivan was eliminated from the World Championship following a thrilling clash against John Higgins.
The Englishman’s ambitions of an eighth world title were extinguished by the Scot, but, despite thumping a table and slamming his cue during the 13-12 loss, he insists he can absorb defeats better these days owing to his renewed perspective.
He said: “I have to take a result like that and I can probably handle that a lot better than if I’m all two feet in, that would really hurt to lose a game, but I feel like i”ve had a good workout, I’ve had a good game and I’ve kind of surprised myself.
“I can still play a bit. I enjoyed every minute, it was amazing, I had some good fun out there.”
O’Sullivan revealed he was returning to Ireland following the Higgins defeat, but a swift comeback to Sheffield remains a possibility.
He is due to make his debut in the World Seniors Championship at the Crucible, which begins next Wednesday.
O’Sullivan said: “I’ll go back to Ireland and just chill there and come back whenever I’ve got to play. It’s work, mate, got to go to work. Got bills to pay. Got a lot of people on the payroll.”