Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed plans to limit his tournament appearances to just 10 per season, citing his frustration with UK leisure centre venues.
The seven-time world champion has been particularly critical of facilities at British tournaments, comparing some events to “car boot sales”.
The 49-year-old’s disdain for certain venues was notably highlighted by his previous description of the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley as a “hellhole” that “smells of urine” during the 2018 English Open.
O’Sullivan recently withdrew from the Scottish Open in Edinburgh, citing fatigue as the reason for his absence.
Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed plans to limit his tournament appearances to just 10 per season, citing his frustration with UK leisure centre venues
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“It’s really difficult when you go to a leisure centre,” O’Sullivan explained. “You’ve got 50-100 people all standing outside. You’ve got to get through that, play a best of seven frames.”
The Essex-based player highlighted the unpredictable scheduling at UK venues. “They say you could be on at 8.30 but you get on at 11.”
“It’s a nine-hour journey from my house to Edinburgh. You weigh it all up and think you can’t be bothered.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan has admitted he prefers to play in China or Saudi Arabia compared to the UK
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“Ten to fifteen years ago I’d probably have been fine but I can’t play every tournament or every week.”
O’Sullivan contrasted UK venues with his experiences in Saudi Arabia, where he says players receive VIP treatment.
“In Saudi Arabia, the events we’ve had there, it’s been brilliant. Food, dressing rooms, shower rooms, loads of practice tables, courtesy cards, it was amazing,” he said.
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He noted similar standards in China, highlighting the superior practice facilities. “Some of the events in the UK, there’s 3-4 practice tables in a leisure centre, it’s not the easiest.”
“They have bigger budgets in China and Saudi Arabia. Maybe in the UK not so much.
“They do the best they can with what they’ve got. It is what it is.”
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In his most recent tournament appearance, O’Sullivan reached the semi-finals of the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.
The world number one was defeated 4-3 by Mark Allen in a closely contested match.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has struggled for consistency this year
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Allen went on to claim the £250,000 prize after defeating Belgium’s Luca Brecel 5-1 in the final.
O’Sullivan has outlined his future tournament strategy, saying: “I’ll try and play a minimum of 10 and I’ll pick the best 10 to play in. After that, if I feel like I need to play in a few more I will.”