Barry Hearn has come to the defense of Ronnie O’Sullivan after the snooker legend withdrew from The Masters tournament just days before it commenced due to medical reasons. Despite O’Sullivan’s frequent absence from recent tournaments, Hearn dismissed any notions of him being driven by money and urged other players to seize the opportunity to captivate fans in his absence.
In an interview on the BBC’s Framed podcast, Hearn praised O’Sullivan’s exceptional talent and unique style of play, acknowledging that his absence may disappoint fans but emphasizing that the decision to compete lies solely with the player. Hearn highlighted O’Sullivan’s unparalleled contribution to snooker and expressed hope that new stars would emerge to fill the void left by the iconic player.
Recognizing the disappointment fans feel when O’Sullivan is not on the green baize, Hearn emphasized the importance of other players stepping up to fill the void and carry on the legacy of the sport. He reiterated the significance of O’Sullivan’s impact on snooker and expressed a desire for the player’s happiness above all else.