Selby has not been the only one to complain about supporters inside the arena, as O’Sullivan admitted that he does not enjoy the “rowdiness” after defeating Ding Junhui in the first round.
“I embrace the pressure,” O’Sullivan said as he discussed the Ally Pally crowd. “I embrace all that stuff that comes with being a winner. I embrace it as a privilege. It’s what you need to win. I’ve reinvented myself over the years and that’s what I’ve had to do. I don’t like the rowdiness of the Ally Pally crowd really, but you have to embrace it. It’s a part of it.”
But both O’Sullivan and Selby were able to rally despite their grievances with the crowd, joining an all-British quarter-final lineup alongside Allen, Jack Lisowski, Barry Hawkins, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter and Judd Trump. But it remains to be seen whether efforts will be made to quieten the notorious fans inside Ally Pally.
