Ronnie O’Sullivan on track to clash with World Snooker and threatens retirement: ‘I’ve got to do what’s best for myself’ | Snooker

47-year-old Ronnie O’Sullivan is facing disciplinary action for criticizing World Snooker.

In October he supported Luca Bressel, John Higgins, Mark Selby, Thepchaya On Noah and Ali Carter as they skipped the Northern Ireland Open for a lucrative event in Macau. Mark Allen did the same at the time, but later apologized.

The Macau Five escaped punishment because the tournament in China was eventually rescheduled to avoid conflicting with the World Snooker Championship. “But they want to punish me severely,” says “The Rocket.”

“If that happens, I have no choice but to retire. I have to do what’s best for myself. I would like to continue for another five to eight years, but the tournaments in the UK don’t make it worth it,” he added.

“In China I play in great venues, in front of a great crowd and a huge prize pool. If they don’t let me, I will play Chinese 8-ball, because I’m not tired of it yet.”

“If people respect me more there, why would I stay in an unhealthy relationship with World Snooker?”

“It’s not just me, all the top players don’t get enough credit from World Snooker. I won’t accept a situation just because the 132 players in the ring get enough credit. Playing tournament after tournament week after week is no longer necessary.” Something for me.”

“I’ve had a great life for the past eight years. I’ve been in the tournaments I wanted to and that was never a problem, but now suddenly it’s become a problem. I now go to China a lot and World Snooker wants his share of the pie.”

“I don’t feel like I owe them that. They never share their profits with me. They don’t like me doing anything for myself.”

World Snooker said: “We are very happy for Ronnie because he can achieve his goals in China, but we have to think about the interests of each player.”

“Our prize money is certainly worth it and has now returned to pre-Covid-19 levels, around £14m per season.”