Mark Selby digs out Ronnie O’Sullivan after scathing snooker rant

Ronnie O'Sullivan explains why he made a 146 in 2016

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Mark Selby has called out Ronnie O’Sullivan and says he should help shape the future of snooker after hitting the headlines once again this week.

‘The Rocket’ savagely criticised the state of snooker, the levels of prize money and the calibre of those in charge. Selby, going for his fifth world title at the Crucible next month, admitted his frustration with the 47-year-old’s absence from players meetings – the setting he believes is ideal for him to voice his concerns.

“Players including Ronnie have views and opinions about issues like the rankings and prize money – but that’s what player meetings are for,” the world no. 2 said. “There was a very big one last week, all the senior WST Board members turned up.

“And players should turn up, rather than go off to the press. I turned up, asked questions and felt it was quite positive and constructive. What more can WST do? I haven’t been to all of them but this one was big and important about the future of the game. Mark Williams came up early from Wales, and Shaun Murphy flew over early from Ireland.”

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O’Sullivan ranted about the demise of a sport that he believes is in its “worst place ever” and claimed an injection of prize money and fresh ideas is needed to save the sport. Snooker supremo Steve Dawson argued O’Sullivan’s explosive comments were “misguided.”

Echoing Selby’s sentiments, Dawson said: “Ronnie is a fantastic player and a legend of our sport. But sometimes his misguided comments go too far. I feel it’s necessary to respond to some of the damaging remarks he made to the press this week. Firstly, Ronnie has never attended a players’ meeting or engaged with us to discuss his opinions.

“There are three formal levels where he can provide feedback: through the WST Board, through the WPBSA Players’ board or through players’ meetings, and he has not engaged through any of these channels. He also has my number and is welcome to speak with me directly. He often compares snooker to golf and tennis, but I would challenge him as to whether for his part he elevates the sport and acts as a role model like a Rory McIlroy or Roger Federer.”

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He attended to matters away from the table but on it, Selby is full of confidence after winning a WST Classic final in his home city of Leicester on Wednesday. He was delighted to win a second ranking title of the campaign, after a difficult season last term when he went public about his mental health battle.

With an opporunity to return to the No.1 ranking if he wins next week’s Tour Championship, Selby said: “It is great to win another title this season, and get a 22nd to be a bit closer to Judd Trump, Neil Robertson and Mark Williams in the all-time list. I’d like to win more world titles, more of the Triple Crowns and also get back to world No1 – and I have a chance of doing that now.

“I have been practising more and harder, and that work paid dividends. My game has just been feeling right, and things clicked in this event. It certainly isn’t a bad time to be coming into some form with the Tour Championships next week, and then the worlds next month.

“I always want to play well in Leicester and put on a show at home. I haven’t always done that, so it was great to lift the trophy with a really good run. I knew I could seal my place at the Tour Championship by going deep, and my goal was to make sure I qualified for that. So to actually win the title is great.”

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