The latest news on February 6, 2022, Beijing time, the world's second-ranked O'Sullivan was criticized by Taiwan Federation President Ferguson for withdrawing from the Turkish Masters. Ferguson said at a press conference that O'Sullivan's withdrawal from the Turkish Masters was a blind eye because he believed O'Sullivan did not know what it meant not to participate in the Turkish Masters. In fact, O'Sullivan was criticized by many Turkish snooker fans after he withdrew from the Turkish Masters, and they even felt that O'Sullivan was not a top player. As for O'Sullivan's requirements, Ferguson insisted that the World Taiwan Federation would never give O'Sullivan a privilege because the significance of the tour was to provide more opportunities for all professional players.
Ferguson: No player has a privilege
While O'Sullivan is the best snooker player in the world, that doesn't mean he has privilege, so Ferguson has no intention of satisfying his unreasonable demands. Ferguson said: "If every top player does what O'Sullivan did, we may not have any of them, but they won't, and that's the point. Top players like to win games and compete, and O'Sullivan does the same, and we offer the Tour to make the game as fair as possible. We have some great players and they all give back to us. But O'Sullivan is different, it's a personal sport and he has his own agenda. From a regulatory perspective, this must be a level playing field, so we can never provide additional funding. We can't force people to play, all we can do is provide opportunities for everyone, including kids from world number ones to kids who have just walked into clubs. ”
O'Sullivan: I don't regret not missing out on Turkey
After being criticized by Ferguson, O'Sullivan still didn't feel there was anything wrong with his decision. O'Sullivan said: "I really don't regret not participating in the Turkish Masters and qualifiers. A five-star hotel on the beach doesn't tempt me to give up my ideas and go to a race. Because I would probably go anywhere in the world and have this experience instead of being surrounded by tons of snooker athletes and officials! I can go to Hawaii or Dubai when I get an invitation and I can spend the same wonderful time there. Now it's all about the value of my time and my business decisions. I play 10 races every season because it's a contract I signed with a sponsor. Other than that, I don't have to compete any more. If anyone wants me to go to more competitions, there should be some kind of arrangement instead of letting me go straight. ”
O'Sullivan: Playing on the Tour is just the job
Although O'Sullivan was spat upon for not playing in the Turkish Masters, he did not change his mind because of it. O'Sullivan said: "If the snooker promoters want me to attend their event, then they have to call me first and we can make some arrangement." If not, I have enough work and enough things to keep myself busy. In fact, playing on the Tour is just a job for me, and I thank the World Snooker Tour because they've proven it's a job a business. That's what they're doing, that's what the players are doing. I was surprised they didn't try to take me to Turkey? No, listen, I'm not surprised by anything these days because I can make my own judgments and decisions when every decision comes. For me, apart from the 10 races I have to play every year, it's up to me to play or not. If you want me to compete, then you should show your sincerity, otherwise I will not go. That's my attitude, so I can understand their decisions and accept any outcome. ”