ROCKET ON THE GREENS
O’sullivan threat to call off his snooker return ..if he can’t bring his own food
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has revealed he could still pull out of snooker’s big return – if barred from bringing in his own food.
The Rocket will head for Milton Keynes’ Marshall Arena later this week after accepting a place in the 64-player Championship League tournament.
The five-time world champion, 44, has been taking his food preparation very seriously during the coronavirus lockdown.
He has not allowed anyone else to touch or prepare his food for months – and expects to be able to bring his own chickpea curry, chicken, salad and vegetables.
Other players are having foil-covered meals left outside their hotel room doors.
But O’sullivan said: “I don’t trust people cooking even my own food at the hotel during these times.
“I have been told that will be OK, but you never know until you arrive there and see what happens.
“If I feel the food situation is not right and I am not allowed to bring in my own prepared stuff, that would be a deal-breaker for me – I am funny about it.
“I don’t mind cold food, so I’ll bring some chickpea curry along, or some chicken and make some salad and vegetables. Until there is a vaccine, you are going to be anxious, have worries and not take risks.
“So when I get there, hopefully, I feel safe – and if I don’t and I’m not happy, then my health has to come first and I could leave.”
O’sullivan will be hoping to join world No.1 and reigning world champion Judd Trump in next week’s last 16 by winning his group on Friday.
But he admits it will be a shot in the dark, having hardly played or practised since February.
O’sullivan added: “I have been keeping my spirits up and, to be honest, I have enjoyed some aspects of the lockdown.
“I have been running a lot and I haven’t missed not playing snooker one bit.
“I have done no practice whatsoever, literally just a couple of hours last week, and I’ll maybe do two or three hours before I play on Friday.
“I think it will be fine having no crowd for a change, there is a whole circus that goes with snooker for me.
“Maybe this will be better – a bit of peace and quiet!
“I love the fans, but when I say tournaments can be a circus, I don’t think people realise sometimes what is asked of me – probably more than any other player.”