Ronnie O’Sullivan wanted to snub World Snooker Championship but claims they ‘twisted my arm’
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN claimed that he did not even want to play in the World Snooker Championship after his shock elimination.
The seven-time winner’s hopes of landing a record eighth title were ended yesterday when he was beaten 13-10 by Stuart Bingham.
GettyRonnie O’Sullivan says he did not even want to compete at the Crucible this year[/caption]
The Rocket must now wait another year before he can attempt to go clear of Stephen Hendry.
And O’Sullivan has also lost his world number one spot.
However, after his exit, he claimed that he did not even want to compete in Sheffield at this year’s World Championship.
And the 48-year-old, who recently signed a three-year ambassadorial deal with Saudi Arabia, says it was only one of his waistcoat sponsors that twisted his arm.
Speaking after his defeat to Bingham, where he caused controversy by telling a female ref to ‘chill’, O’Sullivan said: “I wasn’t actually going to be playing in this one until a new sponsor came along.
“I wasn’t going to play the Tour Championship in Manchester or this because of how I was feeling about playing.
“They sort of twisted my arm. It’s first come, first served. I have signed up for 8-9 events next year.
“There are so many days I allow myself to be away from home. You cannot do it all.
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“I would have done days with Eurosport here. They have been pretty good with me. I wanted to fulfil that.”
O’Sullivan added: “There are so many things to do in my life, man. I have such a busy, good life.
“Probably done painting with Damien Hirst, ate good food, taken the dogs out, seen my children, gone to Champey’s Spa.
“I would have spent days here with Eurosport, running in the peaks, going to the gym, eating good food.
“It might sound boring to you but it’s bloody exciting to me.”
Inside Ronnie’s colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O’Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
Check out all our Ronnie O’Sullivan articles here.
Meanwhile, the emotional Bingham fought back the tears after he set-up a semi-final clash with Jak Jones.
The 2015 champ said: “I’ve had a little cry at the back there.
“Yeah, unbelievable. As you can hear in the voice.
“I was just enjoying it out there.
“I was there competing with the world’s best player and I was enjoying every second of it.”
