Ronnie O’Sullivan says ‘good event’ in Hong Kong despite ticket fiasco – and China’s Ding Junhui wants to play snooker in city
- All-Star Challenge saw fans paying HK$3,380 for top-level tickets that did not give them a view of the table
- But world No 1 O’Sullivan says he enjoyed his visit, while Ding says ‘there should be more events in Hong Kong’
Snooker’s world No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan said he had no complaints with last month’s criticised exhibition event in Hong Kong, while China’s Ding Junhui expressed his interest in joining any future tournament in the city.
However, speaking during the Cazoo World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, O’Sullivan indicated that the players had not been deterred from visiting again, even if his first recollection suggested the All-Star Challenge’s underwhelming attendance had left an impression.
“It was an exhibition, behind closed doors,” the seven-time world champion said. “I love it. It was good – you had all the top players there, and we enjoy it. It’s a lot more relaxed [that kind of event], but we still go out there to put on a show. I think someone had a maximum break – Judd Trump against me.
“Fans watching snooker want to see hundred breaks, and a 147 is a bonus. So they got that. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an exhibition or full tournament, we try our best to put on a good show.
“I always think the exhibitions we do are a chance to see players playing seriously but also taking some risks they wouldn’t normally take in a tournament, maybe go for the 147.
“So yes, I think it was a good event.”
