Ronnie O’Sullivan says he’s more appreciated in Asia as he eyes Hong Kong snooker event
- ‘In the UK, I don’t seem to get the same support as I do here,’ the world No 1 says on trip to Hong Kong to promote his return to the city in March
- Having previously said Chinese events ‘pay me 10 to 15 times more’, O’Sullivan also praises the country’s venues and the ‘unbelievable support’ he receives
Snooker’s world No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan said he felt more appreciated in Asia than in his native UK, as he looked forward to his return to Hong Kong early next year for the All-Star Challenge.
The seven-time world champion, appearing in the city on Saturday to promote March’s event, paid his latest glowing tribute to Chinese tournaments, contrasting them with British equivalents that he said were often underwhelming.
“Some of the tournaments in the UK don’t feel special,” O’Sullivan said. “So for me, I want to play in the best tournaments, with the best crowds, best venues.
“I feel like I get more support, and people like me better, here in Asia than they do in my own country. So if you like me, it makes me feel good, so I come and play here more. In the UK, I don’t seem to get the same support as I do here.”
Since his triumph at the Hong Kong Masters in October last year, O’Sullivan has taken part in exhibition events in mainland China before winning the Shanghai Masters for a fourth successive time in September. He is also playing in the Wynn Presents 2023 Macau Snooker Masters over Christmas.
