World Snooker Championship told to ban Ronnie O'Sullivan and co after stars 'sign NDAs'
A dark cloud has been cast over this year's World Snooker Championship.
The World Snooker Tour (WST) has been urged to ban Ronnie O’Sullivan or any star that signs up for a potential LIV-style breakaway tour. The Rocket has admitted being open to the idea, despite recently inking a three-year ambassadorial deal with Saudi Arabia tying him to WST events, as several big names are said to have been approached.
O’Sullivan sensationally claimed that he would be prepared to walk away from the WST “if I didn’t get what I want” as talks of a new tour have been gathering pace at this year’s World Championship.
Several established players have been coy and cryptic about their plans going forward, though one of snooker’s biggest stars Judd Trump has already pledged his future to the WST in a big show of faith.
Shaun Murphy, who saw his Crucible campaign come to an end on Sunday in a 13-9 defeat to Stephen Maguire, similarly has stuck with the current regime. And the Magician feels that those who want to join a LIV-style tour should be banned from Triple Crown events such as the World Championship.
“I think I’d like to see a situation where players have to declare their allegiance one way or the other,” Murphy said. “They can play on the World Snooker Tour with the majors, the Triple Crowns, the history and heritage that Judd talked about.
“Or they can go and play on a new tour with unknown backers, people we don’t know. How long does this pot of money last? It’s a case of be careful what you wish for. I wouldn’t like a situation where players can go off and then come back and play in the Triple Crown events. I don’t think that should happen. You stick your flag in the ground, declare your loyalty somewhere and see how we go.
Don't miss...
Ronnie O'Sullivan opens up on scarring opponent ahead of World Championship tilt [INTERVIEW]
Ronnie O’Sullivan banned his own dad from attending World Snooker Championship [LATEST]
Ronnie O'Sullivan backed by snooker rival after eye-opening Crucible remarks [REACTION]
“Players want the independence to play where they want when they want and I really do understand that. I’m not sure you can have your cake and eat it.”
Murphy confirmed that he had not been approached to take part in any new tour, but is not interested in rebelling against the WST. He did claim that some of his rivals had already held negotiations and signed NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) prohibiting them from discussing the matter in public.
“It’s obviously something we’re talking about,” Murphy added. “We’ve heard a lot about it. I haven’t been approached by anybody, I don’t know anything about it,’ he said. ‘Nobody’s rung me.
“I’m led to believe some players have signed NDAs not to talk about it. I saw my name mentioned in despatches that I have. I haven’t. I don’t know anything about it and will finish this season and look to return to the tour next season.
“I haven’t got any interest in it. As far as I’m aware it doesn’t exist. I haven’t seen anything about it. If that changes I’ll let you know, but at the moment I don’t know anything about it. It’s all rumour and hearsay, which I haven’t got time for.”