Barry Hearn has come to the defense of Ronnie O’Sullivan after the snooker legend withdrew from The Masters tournament and urged fellow players to elevate their performance in his absence.
O’Sullivan, a dominant figure with eight Masters titles, made a late decision to pull out of the prestigious event citing health reasons. This withdrawal follows several instances over the past year where he has opted out of competitions, despite expectations of his participation in London.
Hearn dismissed claims of O’Sullivan being solely driven by financial incentives and emphasized that it is the responsibility of other players to engage fans in O’Sullivan’s absence.
Speaking on the BBC’s Framed podcast, Hearn stated, “Ronnie operates on his terms. He is an exceptional talent, a unique player, and his absence creates an opportunity for others to shine in the sport.”
Acknowledging fans’ disappointment when O’Sullivan is absent, Hearn stressed the importance of other players stepping up to fill the void left by the snooker maestro.
He added, “It’s essential that both fans and players recognize the void left by Ronnie and strive to produce similar captivating performances. Snooker thrives on personalities like Ronnie O’Sullivan, and the sport could benefit from the emergence of new talents to carry on his legacy.”
Hearn expressed optimism about the potential rise of players who could match O’Sullivan’s caliber in the future, emphasizing the significant impact O’Sullivan has had on the sport over the years.
In conclusion, Hearn highlighted the immense contribution O’Sullivan has made to snooker and expressed a desire for O’Sullivan’s continued happiness, even if it means his absence from the game at times.