Ronnie O’Sullivan urges snooker bosses to grow the women's game after win over Ng On-yee at Hong Kong Masters

Ronnie O’Sullivan wants snooker to provide women players with the competitive environment that is afforded those who compete at the top level in golf and tennis. Women players on the WTA compete for huge sums, and the grand slams offer similar prize funds to men, while the LPGA and LET are thriving golf tours.

Ad Those are in stark contrast to snooker, with little funding even among the elite of the game — which has seen the likes of Reanne Evans and Ng On-yee given cards to play on the men’s circuit. Hong Kong Masters'Stand by for the roar' — O’Sullivan makes century in Ng whitewash5 HOURS AGO Ng took on O’Sullivan in the Hong Kong Masters on Friday, in front of the biggest crowd in the history of the sport.

O’Sullivan was in sublime form as he raced to a 5-0 win, but the world No. 1 feels competing against men will improve the games of the likes of Ng and Evans.

“It is good experience for the girls to play in as many matches against the top guys — or any guy on the tour,” O’Sullivan said. “It is much tougher in depth than the women’s tour.” 'I knew I couldn't win' – Williams on why frantic dash to Hong Kong was all about the cash 'Pretty unusual!' – O’Sullivan pots white with opening shot While O’Sullivan feels it is good for women to compete against men, he would like to see those running snooker to grow the game and give them a tour of merit.

“It would be nice to see snooker doing the same for girls what tennis and golf (do), where they have their own tour that is worthwhile playing on,” he said. “As it is they have to play on the main tour and it is tough.” O’Sullivan’s win over Ng at the Hong Kong Coliseum set up a semi-final clash with Neil Robertson, and the Rocket feels he will need to up his game to beat the