Ronnie O’Sullivan’s dad has hit out at the ‘barbaric’ treatment of his son, who has been given just 48 hours to recover from his gruelling World Grand Prix triumph over Judd Trump before playing again this afternoon.
‘The Rocket’ meets Alfie Burden at the Barnsley Metrodome for a World Open qualification clash. Providing he qualifies for the main tournament in March then there will be no time to rest for the seven-time world champion who is set to play at the Welsh Open, Players Championship and Championship League before the event commences.
O’Sullivan Sr is not best pleased with his son’s congested run of games and let his thoughts be known on X, formerly Twitter.
“Win a big tournament and given 24 hours to recover is barbaric,” he wrote. “Then with no sleep or rest or preparation travel to Barnsley for one game to qualify for the tournament in China. It’s not good at all.
“Top 16 should automatically go to China. No rewards. Because baz earner loves good or bad publicity as it’s all the same to him. Especially when a top seed goes out because of fatigue. Every pro in any sport needs time to recover. Baz earner and the hampster wheel.
“China want to know who’s coming over to play so they can promote the tournament and get players’ logos to wear promoting their companies. Barbaric system created by WST and the Gestapo that are killing the players.”
O’Sullivan, 48, has struggled with several injuries over the years. Most recently he was granted special permission to wear trainers during his run to the World Grand Prix final to help alleviate the pain caused by his foot injury, plantar fasciitis.
O’Sullivan has also suffered from multiple tennis elbow flare-ups as of late and there are genuine concerns from the Brit’s camp that his hectic schedule may lead to further injuries.
