Trump tells O’Sullivan to follow Hamilton out the door
DEFENDING champion Judd Trump has told title rival Ronnie O’Sullivan he should join qualifier Anthony Hamilton in withdrawing 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 firsttime winner to retain the title against Tom Ford this morning, branded the dissenting duo “selfish” for not pulling out earlier.
Trump said: “I have been around the game long enough to know that if there is a World Championship coming up he (O’Sullivan) is going to try and 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, 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.
“A lot of low-ranked players struggle to put food on the table and especially with things going on, you’ve got to try to earn a living. People need to think of the bigger picture sometimes and try not to be selfish and give others the opportunity to provide as well.”
Eighth seed Kyren Wilson, who had been due to face Hamilton today, has been given a bye into the second round. But the Nottingham player will still be allowed to keep his £20,000 prize money and ranking points.
World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn said: “You’ve got to love Ronnie O’Sullivan’s comments. They come up every time he wants a bit of publicity, looks for a nice little angle – ’lab rats’ is just a phrase to guarantee a headline.”