BARRY HEARN, CHAIRMAN of World Snooker, says he welcomes Ronnie O’Sullivan’s decision to play fewer tournaments but that the player’s world ranking will inevitably suffer.
The 36-year-old O’Sullivan has two young children and says that he does not want to spend “28, 29 weeks of the year, living out of a suitcase in hotel rooms.”
The three times world champion was speaking after beating defending champion Ding Junhui in the opening round of the BGC Masters on Sunday.
O’Sullivan, who has slipped to 16th in the rankings, says that he will enjoy the game more if he only takes part in selected events.
Hearn has introduced a slew of new ranking tournaments for the forthcoming year, many of which will be played overseas, and says that ‘more and more’ will come along in the future as he tries to build up the global appeal of the sport.
“There is a lot of overseas travel and the bad news for Ronnie I suppose is it’s going to get more and more,” Hearn told BBC Radio Five Live.
“We’re just about to announce five major ranking events in China in the next 12 months so it’s part of the global expansion of snooker. It won’t suit every player but every player has the choice of the type of life he wants to lead.
“The downside for Ronnie is if he doesn’t compete he will inevitably slip down the rankings through non-attendance, but I think it’s a decision he’s made himself and I welcome the decision for him personally.
“If it makes sense in his life that’s what he’s got to do.”
