Snooker chiefs say the referee’s decision was correct
The World Snooker Tour has denied Ronnie O’Sullivan’s claims of impropriety.
They claim referee Digislava Bozhilova was on point in spotting a black ball when Lockett lost to Stuart Bingham.
WST insists the Bulgarian player acted correctly and appropriately.
“I just wanted to prove the referee wrong.”
Australian cueist Neil Robertson praised Ronnie O’Sullivan for telling referee Digislava Bozhilova that he was giving the black back an unfair advantage by not placing him correctly. Written by Rob Mohr.
But he told Eurosport he wanted to prove the Bulgarian officials’ claims correct.
O’Sullivan, 48, admitted:
“So I just wanted to prove her wrong.
“I didn’t feel good because I had to pot the ball after that. But I just wanted to make a point.
“I don’t want to win that way. I’m more of a principled person, so once I set my principles, I can sleep at night.”
“Some referees gave it to me.”
Ronnie O’Sullivan claimed some referees “got it on me” when his Crucible dreams were dashed by Stuart Bingham. Written by Rob Mohr.
His bid to win an eighth snooker world title, which will see him surpass Stephen Hendry, will continue until 2025.
O’Sullivan was hailed by former world champion Neil Robertson in frame 12 as “the greatest sportsmanship I have ever seen” after turning down the chance for a red frame.
Trailing by 14 points and during a 20-point break, he seemed unsure if the black was lying right on the spot.
And after more than four and a half minutes of deliberation, he chose to play it safe, as the black ball was rediscovered about 10 times.
Rocket loves ‘very exciting’ life outside of snooker
Banished Ronnie O’Sullivan thinks his life outside snooker will “sound boring” to many people, but says it’s “very exciting” to him. Written by Rob Mohr.
After considering skipping the Crucible, Rocket explained why he’s okay with missing some big events.
He said: “I would have spent many days here with Eurosport. They were treating me very well and I wanted to play that.
“I have a lot of things to do in my life. I have a very busy and good life.
“Probably painted with Damien Hirst, ate good food, took the dog out, met the kids, went to Champneys Spa.
“I would have spent many days here with Eurosport, running on mountain peaks, going to the gym and eating delicious food.
“It may sound boring to you, but it’s very exciting to me.”
Allen ousts Ronnie as world No. 1
Mark Allen will replace Ronnie O’Sullivan as world No.1.
This is despite the fact that the Northern Irishman has outperformed Lockett at the world championships.
Allen was eliminated in the second round, but O’Sullivan reached the quarters.
Ronnie says he almost avoided the Crucible
Ronnie O’Sullivan claimed he intended to miss out on the World Championship, but Written by Rob Mohr.
The shocking quarterfinal loser said this: “I had no intention of actually playing in this tournament until a new sponsor came along.
“Given how I feel about playing, I had no intention of playing in Manchester or this Tour Championship.
“They kind of twisted my arm. It’s first come, first served. I’m signed up for eight or nine events next year.
“There are a lot of days when you can be away from home. You can’t do everything.”