Ronnie O’Sullivan has suggested a number of small tweaks which he feels would improve players’ experience at The Crucible amid concerns about the World Snooker Championship venue.
O’Sullivan, 48, has won the world title a joint-record seven times. He failed to make it eight in 2024, though, falling to Stuart Bingham in the quarter-finals in Sheffield.
The experienced pro has never been afraid to vocalise his issues, be they with opponents or venues. He took aim at the “dirty” Alexandra Palace venue in January, and has been engaged in an on-off war of words with rival Ali Carter in recent times.
Back in April, O’Sullivan suggested moving the championships away from The Crucible, where the tournament has been held since the 1970s. He appears to have softened that stance after witnessing some improvements this year, but still believes more can be done.
“I think it’s a little bit dated. It could be updated maybe,’ O’Sullivan said, per Metro. “It could have some better facilities in here for the players to relax and maybe have some nice food at the venue so you don’t have to keep bringing it in.
“I like the way they’ve got the courtesy cars here this year so you don’t have to scrum your way through the venue every time you come here. You don’t mind coming to the venue now. It’s the first time in years so that’s a real plus.
“I get scones brought to my room before my match and that’s something else you don’t need to worry about. They’ve started to make these little improvements. But if you really put down a wishlist… I think the venue could be more friendly towards players. Relaxation rooms maybe, more practice tables, maybe two more practice tables. Showers maybe, a nice dressing room with showers maybe.
“If you get a clever interior designer or an architect in here you could knock all the walls down and start again. Maybe make it bigger and better and more up to date. Who knows.”
Following his loss to Bingham, O’Sullivan hinted at possibly retiring from UK tournaments. “I’m contracted to do certain events in China, and I’m contracted to go to Saudi, so obviously they’ve got first dibs then it’s about spending time at home with the family,” he stated.
“It’s first come, first served. I’m already signed up for eight or nine tournaments, so if I do really badly in them I might have to dip my toe in and play a few tournaments over here, but probably not.
“I don’t just turn up willy-nilly to events, there’s a tax to be paid. If people are prepared to pay it, I’ll get my cue out of my case. If they’re not, I’m content to never ever play again, and move on and do other stuff.”
