Ronnie O'Sullivan: Don't punish players for match fixing

O'Sullivan made the statement after the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) sanctioned three players, Welshman David John and the Chinese players Yu Delu and Cao Yupeng.

On Twitter, O'Sullivan said: "The real question should be why do the players feel the need to do this?

"I'm not sure punishing the players is the answer."

The players are currently suspended ahead of hearings to take place at a later, to-be-determined date.

O'Sullivan has suggested one way forward may be to increase the money paid to all professionals in the face of high costs of participation, saying that expenses, "kill the players ranked outside the top 16".

"Maybe decrease the amount of small events and make the events you do have price effective for everyone.

"Have more players if you like, but don't put the players in a position where to make a living becomes unsustainable.

"Everyone eating is always a good thing in my book."

Barry Hearn, the World Snooker chairman, said that he would increase prize money for all saying, "we are seeing the prize money going deeper into the 128 pros".

O'Sullivan went further, clarifying he was, "talking about why some players feel the need to fix matches", and: "Once you find out why, you can then try to make positive changes to stop it happening.

"Whatever you do, no player on the main tour should end the season minus £30,000, and, trust me, there are a high percentage that are.

"A players' union is the only way forward. Players stick together and changes will happen, no players no game.

"Some players will stick but I know others who can be picked off. Divide and rule never works for the long term benefit of the all players."