Selby takes O’Sullivan to task over skipped meetings amid snooker row

23 March 2023 , 22:30

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Mark Selby has hit back at Ronnie O'Sullivan (Image: VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

Mark Selby reckons Ronnie O’Sullivan should help shape snooker’s future – and stop taking pot shots from the sidelines.

The Rocket has caused a furore this week with savage criticism of the state of snooker, the levels of prize money and the calibre of those running it. And that attack triggered a stinging response from WST chairman Steve Dawson.

The supremo accused the world No1 of making ‘misguided, disrespectful and damaging’ comments - and failing to be the ambassador that Roger Federer was to tennis, and Rory McIlroy is to golf. Selby, 39, is warming up in fine style for a crack at a fifth world title at the Crucible next month after winning a WST Classic final in his home city of Leicester on Wednesday – a success that was overshadowed by the row.

And the world No2, who could even topple rival O’Sullivan if he wins next week’s Tour Championship, believes the seven-time world champion’s failure to attend players’ meetings to air his grievances undermines his arguments. Selby said: "Players including Ronnie have views and opinions about issues like the rankings and prize money - but that's what player meetings are for.

"There was a very big one last week, all the senior WST Board members turned up. And players should turn up, rather than go off to the press. I turned up, asked questions and felt it was quite positive and constructive. What more can WST do?

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"I haven't been to all of them but this one was big and important about the future of the game. Mark Williams came up early from Wales, and Shaun Murphy flew over early from Ireland."

O'Sullivan has delivered a scathing criticism of the state of snooker (PA)

And Selby was also delighted to win a second ranking title of the campaign, after a difficult season last term when he went public about mental health difficulties. He added: "It is great to win another title this season, and get a 22nd to be bit closer to Judd Trump, Neil Robertson and Mark Williams in the all-time list.

"I have been practising more and harder, and that work paid dividends. My game has just been feeling right, and things clicked in this event. It certainly isn't a bad time to be coming into some form with the Tour Championships next week, and then the worlds next month.

"I always want to play well in Leicester and put on a show at home. I haven't always done that, so it was great to lift the trophy with a really good run. I knew I could seal my place at the Tour Championship by going deep, and my goal was to make sure I qualified for that.

Selby celebrates after winning the WST Classic (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

"So to actually win the title is great. It is certainly not impossible that I could get to seven world titles. Of course it is incredibly tough and to have won four already is beyond my wildest dreams.

"But now I'm there it would be great to win at the Crucible again. And while I am still playing, I'll give my all to do that. I obviously didn't a great season last time, the way I was mentally meant I didn't win so much money as usual and my ranking suffered.

"So I was a bit under pressure this season with money coming off, and I needed to shore up my place in the top 16. I still have goals. I'd like to win more world titles, more of the Triple Crowns and also get back to world No1 - and I have a chance of doing that now."

Hector Nunns