Barry Hearn has come to the defense of Ronnie O’Sullivan after the snooker legend withdrew from The Masters tournament, urging fellow players to rise to the occasion in his absence.
O’Sullivan, an eight-time Masters champion, cited medical reasons for his last-minute decision to skip the prestigious event in London. While his withdrawals from tournaments have been frequent recently, his participation at The Masters was highly anticipated.
Hearn dismissed claims that O’Sullivan is solely motivated by money, emphasizing that O’Sullivan plays when he chooses to and sets exceptionally high standards due to his unparalleled skill and talent in snooker.
Acknowledging the disappointment fans feel when O’Sullivan is absent, Hearn stressed the importance of other players stepping up to fill the void left by the iconic player. He highlighted the need for emerging talents to take on the responsibility of captivating audiences like O’Sullivan has done over the years.
Expressing optimism about the emergence of new stars in the sport, Hearn emphasized the significant impact O’Sullivan has had on snooker and expressed hope for his continued success and happiness, while also recognizing the inevitable transition as the sport evolves.
Hearn’s comments underscore the pivotal role O’Sullivan has played in snooker and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the sport as it looks to cultivate the next generation of top players.
