Ronnie O'Sullivan reveals his new favourite snooker tournaments – 'The best events in the world'

ByEurosport

Published 23/03/2024 at 11:30 GMT

Snooker GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan has potted balls in various outposts across the globe since turning professional in 1992, but the world No. 1 feels the sport is heading in the right direction by staging major events in China and Saudi Arabia. Speaking to local media during the World Open in Yushan, the seven-time world champion was full of praise for the high standard of the host venue in China.

Ronnie O'Sullivan believes snooker could have a golden future if China and Saudi Arabia are left to host the sport's major tournaments.

The seven-time world champion has been an outspoken critic of some of the events in the UK in recent years, but has showered praise on the standard of the venues abroad in Yushan and Riyadh.

O'Sullivan picked up £250,000 for winning the inaugural Riyadh World Masters with a 5-2 win over world champion Luca Brecel recently before losing a close battle 5-4 to Hossein Vafaei in the last 16 of the World Open in Yushan on Thursday.

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The World Snooker Tour is set to return to Riyadh early next season when a ranking event – the maiden Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters – is staged in August while the World Open is due back in Yushan next March.

Watch as O'Sullivan clinches glory in final of Riyadh Season World Masters

O'Sullivan and Neil Robertson were among several players who visited the World Billiards museum in Yushan which provides a historic narrative on the development of the sport.

"This is one of the best tournaments in the world, and very important," O'Sullivan told local media. "I saw a lot of passionate fans and a really nice stadium. The event was very good and well organised. This and the Saudi event are the best events in the world."

O'Sullivan was not happy with his performance in losing to Vafaei, but was pleased with his attitude in fighting to the end of the contest as he prepares to return to the UK for the 12-man Tour Championship in Manchester (1-7 April).

The world No. 1 will then chase a record eighth world title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield (April 20-May 6).

• Selby secures Tour Championship spot after Vafaei defeat at World Open
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"I’m not tired, and I can’t use this as an excuse to lose," he said. "But in terms of performance, I can only give myself 3-4 points, but in terms of spirit, I can give myself full marks. I feel that I have been playing the game very hard, but it is still very difficult and I did not show my best condition.

"I will do some things in the off-season to help improve my condition, including some exhibition games to increase my competitiveness and improve my performance under pressure. I may come to China, or some other places to play some exhibition games later."

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