Rocket sorry for insensitive term

Ronnie O’Sullivan today apologised for saying he felt “raped” when playing in Players Tour Championship events.

The 35-year-old former world champion has accepted he chose an unsuitable term to describe his frustration about competing in the low-profile events, which offer important ranking points but low prize pots compared to the major televised tournaments.

O’Sullivan said on October 18: “I feel like I’m being raped when I’m playing in them.”

He has now attempted to clarify his comments, saying in a statement released by World Snooker: “I’m really sorry if I offended anyone.

“I wanted to explain how I felt but I used the wrong word. I didn’t realise it would cause any offence. I will be happy to personally apologise to anyone who is offended.”