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“They don\u2019t care anymore here. Every event used to be like a special event. Now it\u2019s like a car boot sale, and it hasn\u2019t changed or got better in 12 years.”<\/p>\n
In response to O’Sullivan’s eye-popping rant, a World Snooker Tour spokesperson noted various metrics\u00a0 to suggest the Rocket’s comments are misguided. “Our UK events have grown massively over the past decade,” read the statement.<\/p>\n
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“At the Masters in London for example, ten years ago we were selling less than 500 tickets for certain sessions, while now most sessions are selling out the 2,000-seat arena. We are a global tour and in the UK it’s important that we bring events to many different regions so that fans across the home nations have the chance to see live snooker.<\/p>\n
“Our choice of venues is based on many factors including size and backstage facilities for the players. The facts speaks for themselves as our overall ticket sales have increased by 300 per cent over the past ten years, or if we discount the World Championship then that figure is 700 per cent.<\/p>\n
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“We are setting new records for sales at every venue year after year. Today the arena in Brentwood was sold out well in advance. We have focussed on the fan experience to make it a great day out for people of all ages.<\/p>\n
“And for the players, overall prize money has increased and is set to hit record levels this season. We always listen to feedback from the players but we feel we are making significant steps forward as\u00a0a\u00a0global\u00a0sport.”<\/p>\n