Trump calls on O’sullivan to pull out after ‘lab rats’ gripe

Defending champion Judd Trump has told title rival Ronnie O’sullivan he should join qualifier Anthony hamilton in with drawing from this year’s World Snooker Championship if he harbours genuine coronavirus concerns.

Hamilton, a chronic asthmatic, pulled out yesterday citing health fears, following O’sullivan’s claim that the sport’s top stars are being treated like “lab rats” over the decision to allow a limited of number of spectators into the tournament.

Trump, who will begin his quest to become the first first-time winner to retain the title against Tom Ford this morning, branded the dissenting duo “selfish” for not pulling out earlier and giving other players a chance to share in the game’s biggest payday.

Trump said: “I have been around long enough to know that if there is a World Championship coming up he (O’sullivan) is going to try to get the headlines. Of all people, Ronnie is probably the only one who doesn’t need the money, so I find it quite hard that he can enter it and have a go at what is going on. Just pull out and let someone else have a go.”

O’sullivan had expressed sympathy for Hamilton, who said he had grave reservations about competing despite battling through the final qualifying round on Monday.

But the lateness of his decision angered Trump, who said: “I find it very hard on the other people that he has taken the opportunity from – I think this was announced with enough time to know there was going to be a crowd at this tournament.

“There is a lot of money to be played for in this tournament. A lot of low-ranked players struggle to put food on the table.

“People need to think of the bigger picture sometimes, try not to be selfish and give others the opportunity to provide as well.”

Trump and Ford, the world No 26, return to conclude their first-round match this evening, when Mark Williams and Alan Mcmanus will also begin their best-of-19 encounter.