Ronnie O’Sullivan claims snooker is ‘in the worst place it has ever been’

Ronnie O’Sullivan believes snooker is in its ‘worst ever place’ amid low prize money and an ongoing corruption scandal, with the world number one criticising officials overseeing the sport.

O’Sullivan withdrew from the World Snooker Tour Classic on Sunday with an elbow injury, just a month prior to the defence of his world title at the Crucible in Sheffield.

The World Snooker Tour Classic was introduced as a replacement for the Turkish Masters, which was cancelled in January in another financial blow to the sport.

Snooker has continued to be impacted by the loss of events in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

O’Sullivan has claimed the sport needs ‘proper people’ in charge to improve the image of snooker and increase prize money on the World Snooker Tour. 

The Rocket gave a stinging criticism of snooker bosses ahead of his world title defence

‘Snooker is in a bad place, it’s in trouble,’ O’Sullivan said, as reported by The Sun. ‘Forget Turkey, this needs at least another £50million a year just to make it a proper tour.

‘When you look at the number, it’s bad. When you look at £10million prize money for 25 events across the year for 128 players, it’s never going to be good. It needs at least to triple that to make it work.

‘Maybe you do need some proper people like Liberty [in Formula One] or someone with the vision to bring it up to date.

‘You look at the people actually managing the game, they are not the brightest sparks either. So you can’t see them digging themselves out of it. But you don’t have to be Einstein.

‘It is probably in the worst place it has ever been. The image of the sport, it’s a bit like a pub sport now.’

The World Snooker Championships will take place in Sheffield between April 15 and May 1.

A high-profile hearing will take place on April 24 after 10 Chinese players were charged by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) in January following a probe into alleged match fixing.

The WPBSA confirmed earlier this month that the 10 players, including former Masters champion Yan Bingtao, will be absent from World Snooker Tour events until the case reaches its conclusion.

O’Sullivan, the Rocket, has claimed the ongoing case is impacting the sport.

The 47-year-old also suggesting players are currently afraid to speak out against snooker’s leadership for fear of being fined.

Yan Bingtao is among 10 Chinese players who were suspended by the WPBSA in January

The World Snooker Tour responded to his comments by stating it had held a constructive meeting with players last week about their vision, adding that O’Sullivan had chosen not to attend.

‘The outcomes were positive and players were encouraged by the progressive strategy set out,’ a statement read. ‘WST is working diligently across many of the areas Ronnie raises and is achieving considerable success.

‘We have smashed records on ticket sales for the majority of our events and our global TV and digital audience is bigger than ever.

‘Prize money for our UK events has increased since the start of the pandemic. We are committed to returning to China in 2023, putting our tour in the strongest position it has ever been.’