Ronnie O'Sullivan opens arms to LIV style snooker breakaway as he tells Saudi money men 'I'm your man'

Ronnie O'Sullivan would welcome a LIV style breakaway snooker tour - and urged any player on the fence to go where the money is.

It's been reported that a number of top stars within the sport have been offered up to £350,000 to join a controversial, highly-lucrative Saudi backed organisation, similar to the one that has taken the world of golf by storm and tempted the likes of Jon Rahm to ditch the longstanding PGA tour. The World Snooker Tour who have made it clear contracted players can play anywhere, as long as it doesn't clash with their major events, but it would leave potters with a big decision regarding whether or not to turn their back on the professional circuit this summer.

O'Sullivan has frequently drawn criticism for prioritising events in China and the Middle East over established events in the UK and recently welcomed the idea of moving the Snooker World Championship to Saudi Arabia once the Crucible's contract expires.

Bullish Barry Hearn believes in the financial security of the World Snooker Tour and told rebels they would have to start at Q School if they wanted to come back. But world No.1 O’Sullivan, who kicked off his bid for a record eighth World Championship with a 10-1 demolition of qualifier Jackson Page, said: “There’s talk there might be another tour. Every player has the right to do what they want to do – you see it in other sports like golf.

“The bottom line is you’ve got to be prepared to walk away, if I didn’t get what I want am I prepared to walk away from the sport? And the answer is yes. I’m, happy with my life. I want to be looked after, I want to be pampered, anyone who wants to pamper me and look after me, I’m your man.

“I’m just an open book, I’m here, best offer, come speak to me,