Bad boy Ronnie O’Sullivan in trouble again after skipping media conference following first round World Championship win

Snooker great is set to face disciplinary action after refusing to attend a post-match press conference following his first-round win at the World Championship

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Ronnie O'Sullivan is rarely out of the headlines, and not always for the right reasons. He’s in hot water with authorities again after failing to complete his media duties after his first round win in Sheffield. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 10:10am, 19 Apr 2016Updated: 11:30am, 19 Apr 2016

Snooker great Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to face disciplinary action after refusing to attend a post-match press conference following his first-round win at the World Championship on Monday.

All players have a responsibility to the sport, and in particular to their fans. This includes fulfilling media obligations at events

World Snooker statement

Five-time world champion O’Sullivan beat David Gilbert 10-7 at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, with the match seemingly devoid of any controversial incidents.

However, the Englishman then failed to attend the mandatory post-match press conference which players are obliged to attend as part of their tour contracts.

Should he be found to have breached his contract by a World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association disciplinary hearing, O’Sullivan’s punishment is likely to extend to just a modest fine ahead of his next scheduled Crucible appearance on Saturday.

O’Sullivan, nicknamed the ‘Rocket’ for his speed round the table, is widely regarded as one of the most naturally talented snooker players of all-time.

England’s David Gilbert felt he played his best against O’Sullivan – it just wasn’t good enough. Photo: Xinhua

He is also far and away the most charismatic of all the world’s current leading cuemen and the irony of Monday’s situation is that his non-appearance at a press conference is likely to generate more headlines for snooker than the often bland remarks of lesser players.

A World Snooker statement said: “All players have a responsibility to the sport, and in particular to their fans.