• Snooker

O'Sullivan refuses to sign up for new snooker season

ESPN staff
June 6, 2012
Ronnie O'Sullivan is the reigning world champion © PA Photos
Enlarge

World champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has pressed ahead with his plan to take a number of months off from snooker, refusing to sign the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association agreement ahead of the entry deadline.

O'Sullivan said after his fourth World Championship triumph that he planned to take a break from the game, but Wednesday's developments are the first official indicator that he will stay true to his word.

The agreement deadline for the first two ranking events of the season has arrived but O'Sullivan's signature did not accompany it. In a statement released by his management company, he is not completely comfortable with the demands of the contract.

"I have decided not to enter any tournaments for the time being, including this year's Premier League and forthcoming WPBSA ranking events," O'Sullivan said through the statement.

"I have not signed the player's contract as I feel the contract is too onerous and I'm in a stage of my career where I don't wish to make this commitment. I still want to play snooker and visit those places around the world such as China where snooker is enthusiastically received and adored.

"I hope to remain involved in the sport in some way in the future."

O'Sullivan can sign the agreement at any time to enter tournaments later in the year, with the next deadline coming in July for September's Shanghai Masters.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close