Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump have been absent from the mandatory press launch for the World Snooker Championship, prompting potential disciplinary action. The seven-time champion and the 2019 winner failed to attend Friday's photo call with the top 16 seeds at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with reasons for their no-show unclear.
The absences have drawn criticism from fellow players, including 2005 champion Shaun Murphy. "I think it's become normal that they don't turn up for these types of things, but I've got no idea why," Murphy said. "None of us are shocked by it. It would be more strange for us if they were here, which is saying something."
Despite the controversy, the tournament features a record 11 Chinese players, including defending champion Zhao Xintong, who begins his title defence on Saturday. However, the emergence of young British talent has also generated excitement, with 19-year-old Stan Moody and 20-year-old Liam Pullen qualifying for the first time, alongside Poland's first Crucible entrant, Antoni Kowalski, 22.
Murphy, who mentored Moody, expressed hope that a strong performance from the Yorkshire duo could inspire a new generation. "If you see one of your own, in terms of age, doing something you think, I can do that," he said. The championship begins on Saturday, with O'Sullivan not in action until Tuesday against qualifier He Guoqiang.
