LONDON: Ex-world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan claims that permitting spectators to watch the World Snooker Championship is a “necessary risk.” The premier snooker competition is one of several athletic events selected to evaluate the safety of spectator returns as part of the relaxation of England’s coronavirus lockdown regulations.
Five-time champion O’Sullivan has said he was willing to accept the risk of competing, but he has left open the potential of pulling out of the World Championship, which begins on July 31.
O’Sullivan told the BBC of the restricted number of fans expected to be allowed entry to Sheffield’s Crucible arena: “I just think it’s an unnecessary risk.” Simply simply, I don’t think you should be endangering people’s lives.”When you consider the NHS (National Health Service), you might as well be fighting a war right now. You see the suffering that these individuals endure, so anything that will alleviate their stress is vital.”
O’Sullivan sent a warning to the event organizers, saying he wasn’t sure he would play even if he entered. O’Sullivan had previously suggested he might withdraw if spectators were permitted to reenter the arena.
Obviously, there’s no use in playing if I reach that stage (of discomfort). And hopefully I feel like I’m there and enjoying it, so hopefully I don’t,” he remarked.
August 2 is O’Sullivan’s first round match against a qualifier. O’Sullivan hopes to improve on his shocking first-round loss to amateur James Cahill last year.
