O’Sullivan hails HK despite ticket fiasco
World No 1 enjoyed exhibition event while Ding is also keen to play in city
Snooker’s world No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan says he has no complaints with last month’s criticised exhibition event in Hong Kong, while China’s Ding Junhui is interested in joining any future tournament in the city.
The Hong Kong Snooker AllStar Challenge at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, which featured O’Sullivan and a host of other leading players, was marred by chaos that included fans paying HK$3,380 for top-level tickets that did not give them a view of the table.
However, speaking during the Cazoo World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, O’Sullivan indicated that the players had not been deterred from visiting again, even if his first recollection suggested that the All-Star Challenge’s underwhelming attendance had left an impression.
“It was an exhibition, behind closed doors,” the seven-time world champion said. “I love it. It was good – you had all the top players there, and we enjoy it. It’s a lot more relaxed [that kind of event], but we still go out there to put on a show. I think someone had a maximum break – Judd Trump against me.
“Fans watching snooker want to see hundred breaks, and a 147 is a bonus. So they got that. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an exhibition or full tournament, we try our best to put on a good show.
“I always think the exhibitions we do are a chance to see players playing seriously but also taking some risks they wouldn’t normally take in a tournament, maybe go for the 147.
“So yes, I think it was a good event.”
Ding, China’s highest-ranked player at world No 7, was not part of the All-Star Challenge but said he was hoping for an invitation to Hong Kong’s next attempt at playing host, having rarely been seen in the city in his two decades as a professional.
“There should be more events in Hong Kong,” the 37-year-old said. “When I was young, snooker came to China from Hong Kong. People there understand snooker.
“There are over 50 tournaments in China now, but people in the south of China love snooker more and understand it more, so I enjoy playing there. I’d love to play in Hong Kong. I haven’t played there much, but the people are nice and I have friends there.
“Last time I came to play in Hong Kong was I think 2003, a team event between Asia and Europe, four against four. A very long time ago.”
Ding was not included in the 2022 Hong Kong Masters, either. “There have been a few exhibitions in Hong Kong, but I haven’t joined one yet,” he said. “I hope to.”
On the table in Sheffield, Ding’s first-round loss to Jack Lisowski left Si Jiahui as China’s sole candidate for the world title. Si’s second-round clash with Jak Jones of Wales was to be completed later today.
O’Sullivan, who completed a 10-1 first-round rout of Wales’ Jackson Page, takes on Ryan Day tomorrow and Monday.