O’Sullivan agrees press black-out with snooker chief

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN will not be facing the press for the rest of the Saga Masters at Wembley Arena because it is “not in the interests of the player, the tournament and the sport”.

As a result the 31-year-old Essex star will escape censure for failing to fulfil his media commitments following his 6-1 second-round win over Ali Carter.

In an extraordinary statement issued by World Snooker, it was revealed O’Sullivan met with chairman Sir Rodney Walker last week.

The statement read: “As a result of information conveyed to him by Ronnie at the meeting in connection with ongoing difficulties in his personal life, Sir Rodney agreed, in the exceptional circumstances in which Ronnie finds himself at this time, that for the Saga Masters, he would be excused from fulfilling the normal contractual requirements with the media and sponsors which all players are required to undertake.

“Sir Rodney informed the chair of the sport’s disciplinary committee (director Jim McMahon) of his decision at the start of the tournament.

“Sir Rodney understands and accepts that his decision will be a disappointment to the media and the tournament sponsor.

“He is, however, convinced that to expose Ronnie to the added pressures of exposure to the media, at the moment, would not be in the interests of the player, the tournament and the sport.

“He hopes everyone would accept his decision has not been taken lightly.”

O’Sullivan is still waiting to hear whether there will be any punishment for walking out of his Maplin UK Championship quarter-final against Stephen Hendry at York last month.