Smells, accents and robots

Courier Sport takes a look back at some other memorable outbursts from the “Rocket”.

2018-19: English Open, Crawley:

O’Sullivan’s social media jibe at the restaurant was just his latest criticism of the Crawley venue, which began in 2018 when he declared it not good enough to host the tournament. He called it a “hellhole” and added: “I don’t know what this gaff is but I’ve just done an interview and all I can smell is urine.”

2019: Coral Players’ Championship, Preston

O’Sullivan baffled interviewers when he began answering questions in an Australian accent after his win over Barry Hawkins. O’Sullivan said: “When you talk Aussie, the Aussies are just winners mate, you know? You’ve got to love a winner”.

2018: UK Championship, York

O’Sullivan started the successful defence of his UK Championship title by saying he was ready to start a breakaway tour. Unhappy at the top players entering a flat draw, he said: “You don’t see Leyton Orient turning up to play (Lionel) Messi at Barcelona. They might play in the FA Cup, not week in, week out. It’s demotivating.”

2017: World Grand Prix, Preston

O’Sullivan said he would no longer give in-depth media interviews – something he quickly relented on – and tackled a media commitment by answering in a robotic voice.

2016: Welsh Open, Cardiff

O’Sullivan turned down a 147 as he beat Barry Pinches, taking a pink for a 146 instead.

Afterwards, he made headlines claiming he passed up the maximum because of the low prize money on offer.