Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan has reignited the debate over prize money in the sport, taking a swipe at his rivals for their complaints while he continues to dominate the game. The seven-time world champion, known as "The Rocket," didn't hold back in his latest comments about the financial rewards in professional snooker.
O'Sullivan's Blunt Assessment
The 48-year-old snooker maestro pointed out the irony of players moaning about earnings while he's "taking all the money." O'Sullivan, currently ranked world number one, suggested that if other players want bigger payouts, they should simply play better and win more tournaments.
The Prize Money Controversy
This isn't the first time O'Sullivan has spoken out about snooker's financial structure. He previously criticized the sport's governing body for not increasing prize money enough to keep up with inflation. However, his latest comments take direct aim at fellow professionals including Judd Trump and reigning world champion Luca Brecel.
Rival Players Respond
Brecel recently voiced concerns about the disparity between snooker's prize money and other sports like golf and tennis. Trump has also been vocal about wanting to see bigger rewards for players. But O'Sullivan remains unmoved, arguing that the solution lies in players' performance rather than complaints.
The Dominance of 'The Rocket'
O'Sullivan's comments come as he continues his remarkable form, having won five ranking titles this season alone. His success means he's claimed a significant portion of the available prize money, leading to his blunt assessment that others should "stop moaning and start winning."
The Future of Snooker
As the debate rages on, questions remain about how to grow the sport's revenue and make it more financially rewarding for all professionals. But for now, O'Sullivan's message is clear: in the competitive world of snooker, the money follows success.
