Allen: We won’t be snookered without Ron
Sand conditions” are right, suggesting he may film a television programme instead. Speaking on the back of his Masters triumph over Kyren Wilson, Northern Irishman Allen expressed his admiration for O’Sullivan but said the sport will progress with or without the 42-year-old.
“I think it’s in safe hands anyway – the viewing figures are ridiculously high,” Allen said. “What Barry [World Snooker chairman, Hearn] is doing at the minute, selling out arenas all around the world – they sell out regardless of whether Ronnie’s there.
“Being a player, I appreciate what Ronnie brings to the sport. He brings a bit of buzz around the venue and it’s nice to know that when you’re doing well in a tournament, Ronnie’s in it.
“But snooker’s definitely going to live on after Ronnie; there have been people in the past that you’ve probably thought, ‘What’s going to happen whenever they go?’ The game moves on.”
Jon Rahm continued his meteoric rise as he beat Andrew Landry on the fourth play-off hole to win his second PGA Tour title at the CareerBuilder Challenge in La Quinta.
The Spaniard announced himself to the world on last season’s west coast swing when he claimed his maiden crown at the Farmers Insurance Open, a title he will look to defend next week.
He was world No.137 when he teed up at Torrey Pines 12 months ago but after also claiming two wins on the Eu- ropean Tour last season, he will be up to No.2 when the rankings are confirmed on Monday morning.
Rahm fired a bogey-free 67 on Sunday to get to 22 under, a total matched by American Landry who closed with a 68, birdieing the last to force the play-off.
The 23-year-old missed a good chance to take the contest on the first extra hole, with Landry returning the favour on the next, but a 12foot putt eventually handed Rahm the win.