I won’t let Hearn bully me any more, rages Ronnie
O’Sullivan blasts Hearn
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has accused snooker chiefs of bullying and intimidation in an extraordinary outburst following his first-round victory at the Betfred World Championship in Sheffield. O’Sullivan singled out World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn for special mention. Hearn last week described O’Sullivan’s bizarre behaviour in some recent TV interviews as ‘embarrassing’. And the Rocket responded last night at the Crucible, stating: ‘I phoned Barry up four weeks ago and I said, “Barry, I’m done with you and your board of people”. ‘I like Barry, but I’m not being intimidated or bullied any more.’
RONNIe O’Sullivan accused the snooker authorities of bullying and intimidating him in an outburst at the Betfred World Championship.
After beating Gary Wilson 10-7 to reach the second round, the five - time Crucible champion pointed the finger at World Snooker chairman Barry hearn and his board.
he revealed the extent of his distress at receiving a letter from disciplinary chiefs after he criticised a referee and photographer during January’s Masters.
hearn last week criticised O’Sullivan, describing his recent behaviour in media interviews as ‘embarrassing’.
O’Sullivan has deliberately and repeatedly given one-word answers to questions he has faced after matches, and in an ITV interview at the World Grand Prix in February he gave a series of responses in a robotic voice.
This time O’Sullivan struck back, saying: ‘I phoned Barry up four weeks ago and I said, “Barry, I’m done with you and your board of people”.
‘And I’ve got a very good friend of mine who said, “Just let my lawyers deal with it”. I won’t get involved with it because I’m not being bullied, I’m not having people doing that to me ever again.
‘I’m just fortunate I’ve got a very good friend who’s got very good lawyers and they’ve got my back. I just want to play and have fun.
‘I like Barry, but I’m not being intimidated or bullied any more.’
O’Sullivan’s rant came after he produced an impressive performance to fight past Crucible debutant Wilson.
The reigning Masters champion had two centuries and eight further breaks of above 50, setting up a shot at Shaun Murphy or Yan Bingtao in the second round.
O’Sullivan, who last won the world title four years ago, punched the air in delight at getting across the line.
Former taxi driver Wilson gave a good account of himself, with two sparkling centuries yesterday following the eight he made in three qualifying matches, including a 147 maximum.
‘In one way I am pleased,’ said Wilson. ‘I did not give him it and he had to work for it.
‘I felt if it got close, I had a chance of winning. You can’t be too disappointed in your first time at the Crucible and I’ve shown what I am capable of.’
Resuming 5-4 behind, Wilson looked set to immediately level the match, but broke down on 50 when among the balls.
O’Sullivan, from 54 points behind, burrowed his way back into the frame to go 6-4 ahead.
The players then traded fluent centuries before the Rocket powered to a 9-5 lead.
Wilson managed to trim the deficit with another ton but O’Sullivan finished clinically with a 90 break.