Ronnie O'Sullivan vows to do talking on table after bust-up with Barry Hearn
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
ByEurosport
Updated 18/04/2017 at 22:12 GMT
Ronnie O'Sullivan has moved to defuse his simmering row with World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn by vowing to focus on winning a sixth World title.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England in action during the first round match against Gary Wilson of England on day one of the World Championship Snooker at the Crucible Theatre on April 15, 2017 in Sheffield, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Five-times world champion O’Sullivan released a statement saying he wanted to focus on his snooker after claiming he had been "bullied" by Hearn and the game's authorities during an astonishing press conference after his 10-7 win over Gary Wilson on the second day of the World Championship.
"There has been some speculation and commentary around the answers I gave when questioned by the media at my press conference on Sunday," said O'Sullivan.
Any outstanding issues with the snooker authorities will be addressed by my legal team following the conclusion of this great event, when I hope a sensible resolution can be reached.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2017/04/17/2064752-43290527-2560-1440.jpg)
Ronnie O'Sullivan at the World Championship.
Image credit: Eurosport
“I will not be making any further comment about this during the World Championships. I request the press and media respect this position in all further interviews.
“I wish to focus all my energies on performing to the very best of my ability for the fans in my quest for a sixth world title.”
The outburst appeared to be triggered by O'Sullivan being reminded that Hearn said his clipped answers and eccentric behaviour in recent media interviews had become "embarrassing".
O'Sullivan turned the tables on Hearn and his board, stating he had been left distressed by a letter from disciplinary chiefs after he criticised referee Terry Camilleri and swore at a press photographer during January's Masters.
O'Sullivan says he had been pushed over the edge by the reaction from World Snooker, having been incensed by previous disciplinary cases opened against him.
"I phoned Barry up four weeks ago and I said, 'Look Barry, I'm done with all you and your board of people'," said O'Sullivan.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2017/04/17/2064786-43291207-2560-1440.jpg)
O'Sullivan: I'm just happy to be here, there's nothing quite like the Crucible
"And I've got a very good friend of mine who said, 'Just let my lawyers deal with it'. I won't get involved with it because I'm not being bullied, I'm not having people doing that to me ever again.
"I like Barry but I'm not being intimidated or bullied any more.
"I've given 25 years of service to this game and I think I've given enough. Drop me out, I don't need you, you probably don't need me."
Hearn responded with his own statement hinting at legal action over claims he had "bullied" O'Sullivan.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2014/10/08/1328439-28562345-2560-1440.png)
Hearn’s reputation stalled Ronnie’s career
"I personally take any accusation of ‘bullying and intimidation’ by me or World Snooker very seriously," said Hearn in a statement. .
"Unfounded accusations such as these are damaging to World Snooker’s global reputation, as well as my own, and we will take whatever action is required to protect this reputation from such inaccurate comments.
O'Sullivan has threatened to quit snooker many times over his career.
The former world number one's latest comments were explosive, yet it is worth remembering that although O'Sullivan was asked to explain his Masters remarks, he avoided punishment.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2017/04/16/2064139-43278267-2560-1440.jpg)
O'Sullivan in pink with glorious pack-splitting pot
Meanwhile, four-times champion John Higgins believes Hearn must move to mend bridges with the game's biggest attraction for what O'Sullivan brings to the sport.
The Scotsman believes O'Sullivan has been harshly treated and says snooker would be a poorer sport without the Englishman.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/01/29/1403750-30071647-2560-1440.jpg)
World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn, Ronnie O'Sullivan and son Ronnie Jr with the World Championship trophy.
Image credit: Eurosport
“I have a degree of sympathy for him," said Higgins speaking to the BBC after his 10-6 win over Martin Gould.
“If I am led to believe what I have heard about how he was reprimanded, it is out of order.
“He has a lot to take on his shoulders in this sport because he is the biggest name - along with Ding (Junhui), the biggest name in the Far East.
“The game would be a lot poorer without him.”
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement