Ronnie O’Sullivan Open to Offers Amid Rumours of Rival Snooker Tour

Ronnie O’Sullivan has sent shockwaves through the snooker world by declaring himself open to offers from a potential rival tour, amid rumors of a breakaway circuit being established in the Far East. The five-time world champion warned that he would not hesitate to walk away from the sport if he felt his talent was being undervalued.

Following his dominant 10-1 victory over Jackson Page in the first round of the World Championship, O’Sullivan made it clear that players have the right to explore any lucrative opportunities that come their way. He emphasized that every sportsman is a business and should prioritize their own well-being and value.

The World Snooker Tour (WST) has recently relaxed rules on player contracts, allowing players to participate in exhibitions as long as they do not conflict with WST events. This move comes after a high-profile dispute in October involving five top players who were threatened with legal action for considering skipping a WST event in favor of a more lucrative exhibition.

Despite signing a promotional deal with Saudi Arabia, O’Sullivan maintained that he would not hesitate to move on if presented with better opportunities. The snooker legend stressed the importance of valuing his time and ensuring that he is looked after, both on and off the table.

In other World Championship action, John Higgins secured a 10-6 victory over Jamie Jones to advance to the second round, where he will face Mark Allen. Judd Trump also took a commanding 6-2 lead over Tom Ford in their second-round match, while David Gilbert held a 5-3 advantage over Robert Milkins.

As the drama unfolds at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, the snooker world awaits to see how the players navigate the evolving landscape of the sport and where their loyalties ultimately lie.