Ronnie O'Sullivan has stated that he will not participate in snooker tournaments unless he receives an appearance fee, following the cancellation of the Saudi Arabia Masters after just two editions. The seven-time world champion was speaking after his 13-12 defeat to John Higgins in the second round of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible on Monday.
O'Sullivan's Stance on Appearance Fees
The 50-year-old, who has had a trophyless season, made it clear that he expects compensation for every event he enters. 'Any tournament I go to, they all know they have to get the cheque book out, so wherever I go that's standard,' O'Sullivan said. 'If that stops then I stop. Wherever it is, Saudi, Qatar, China, here, whatever it is, I always make sure I've got some sort of fee coming because otherwise people know that I won't turn up.'
O'Sullivan did not specify whether these fees come from promoters or sponsors, but he emphasized that he has other options and is not overly concerned about the Saudi event's demise. 'Hopefully Saudi still want to do some stuff, but we'll have to wait and see, then I'll make my decisions based on whatever happens there,' he added.
Reduced Schedule and Future Plans
The Rocket played a reduced schedule this season, featuring eight ranking events, and indicated a similar approach for the next campaign. 'It depends, if my sponsors are on board then I'll play, but I'm not two-feet in like pretty much most of the guys,' he explained. 'I'm just grateful to be playing, and enjoying my playing and that's it. And if I don't enjoy it, I'll take time out.'
Despite his defeat to Higgins, O'Sullivan remained philosophical. 'I'm not two feet in. I try my nuts off when I'm out there, but I also appreciate that I'm not a slave to the game. I have to take a result like that, and I can probably handle that a lot better than if I'm all two feet in, that would really hurt to lose a game, but I feel like I've had a good workout, I've had a good game and I've kind of surprised myself, and I can still play a bit.'
Upcoming World Seniors Event
O'Sullivan is scheduled to play in the World Seniors next month in Sheffield. He plans to return to Ireland, where he is based for part of the year, before coming back for the event. 'I'll go back to Ireland tonight and just chill there and come back whenever I've got to play. It's work, mate, got to go to work. Got bills to pay,' he said.
The Saudi Arabia Masters, initially signed under a 10-year contract, was scrapped after only two editions, marking a significant shift in the sport's Middle Eastern expansion. O'Sullivan, who had an academy named after him in Riyadh, remains unfazed, focusing on his own terms for participation.
