Ronnie O’Sullivan’s comments are ‘misguided’ says WST chairman Steve Dawson as he responds to The Rocket

World Snooker Tour chairman Steve Dawson has responded to Ronnie O’Sullivan after the world No. 1 claimed the sport “is in the worst place it has ever been”. O’Sullivan criticised snooker at the WST Classic, particularly for the amount of prize money that is given out at tournaments.

Ad The seven-time world champion was not part of a meeting held between the players and WST last week. Tour ChampionshipTour Championship — How to watch, schedule, is O'Sullivan playing?4 HOURS AGO “Ronnie is a fantastic player and a legend of our sport, but sometimes his misguided comments go too far,” said Dawson. “I feel it’s necessary to respond to some of the damaging remarks he made to the press this week.

“Firstly, Ronnie has never attended a players’ meeting or engaged with us to discuss his opinions. “There are three formal levels where he can provide feedback: through the WST Board, through the WPBSA Players’ board or through players’ meetings, and he has not engaged through any of these channels. He also has my number and is welcome to speak with me directly.” O’Sullivan suggested the players lower down the rankings are “tempted by crumbs” and compared the £80,000 prize for the champion at the Home Nations events, to other sports such as golf and tennis.

Dawson questioned whether The Rocket has been a role model, like top names from other sports. “He often compares snooker to golf and tennis, but I would challenge him as to whether for his part he elevates the sport and acts as a role model like a Rory McIlroy or Roger Federer,” said Dawson. “We are striving to take snooker to a higher level, but we need the players to be ambassadors in public, and to communicate any concerns they have through the right channels.