SoccerTransfer
Carrick: No decision made over Rashford Man Utd return
Carrick says no decision made on Rashford's future at Man Utd.
Sky Sports1 min read
Sports
O’Sullivan and Trump no-shows spoil mood before World Snooker Championship
TL;DR
Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump missed the press event before the World Snooker Championship, raising concerns about their absence. Their no-shows shifted the focus away from the tournament's traditional highlights.
Key points
- Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump were absent from the press event.
- Their no-shows could lead to disciplinary action.
- Zhao Xintong is the defending champion and favorite.
- The mood shifted away from traditional tournament highlights.
- Shaun Murphy expressed confusion over their absence.
Ronnie O’SullivanJudd TrumpWorld Snooker ChampionshipZhao Xintong
If there were any doubt remaining that Ronnie O’Sullivan retains a gravitational pull on the world of snooker, few moments hammered home the point better than Friday’s launch of this year’s World Snooker Championship when the seven-time champion became the story without even being there.
The first ball will not be potted in Sheffield until Saturday morning and the first headline has been generated by a player not in action until Tuesday. When the traditional photo of the world’s top 16 took place as usual outside the Crucible on Friday afternoon it did so without two of the sport’s biggest names in O’Sullivan and Judd Trump.
Both were a no-show at the press event that the seeded players are contractually obliged to attend, with the reasons for their absence unclear. It could yet lead to disciplinary action from the authorities: not that either will be hit too hard financially. But the absence of O’Sullivan in particular shifted the entire mood going into the event.
The long-term deal to keep the tournament at the Crucible was no longer the talking point. Nor was the fact the defending champion, Zhao Xintong, arrives as undisputed favourite to defend his title at the kind of odds with bookmakers not seen since the days of Stephen Hendry’s dominance in Sheffield in the 1990s.
It is safe to say the absences did not go down well in some quarters. “I think it’s become normal that they don’t turn up for these types of things, but I’ve got no idea why,” the world No 8 and 2005 champion, Shaun Murphy, said on Friday.
“None of us are shocked by it. It would be more strange for us if they were here, which is saying something. I think it’s a real shame, and they probably could both have done a little bit more to help promote the game over the years.”
Murphy, who last reached the final in Sheffield in 2021, insisted the lack of O’Sullivan and Trump was a problem for the pair themselves, not snooker.
Zhao Xintong signs autographs at the media day. He is the clear favourite to retain his world title. Photograph: George Wood/Getty Images
“I don’t know about image problems,” he said. “I think it might give those two a particular image problem … once the public sort of tag on to that themselves and realise that two of the biggest stars of the game weren’t here when everyone else has made the effort to be here. It’s a strange one.”
Q&A
Why did Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump miss the World Snooker Championship press event?
The reasons for their absence remain unclear, and it could lead to potential disciplinary action.
What impact did the absence of O’Sullivan and Trump have on the World Snooker Championship?
Their no-shows shifted the mood and focus away from the tournament's highlights, including the defending champion Zhao Xintong.
What are the potential consequences for O’Sullivan and Trump missing the press event?
They may face disciplinary action from the authorities, although financial penalties are unlikely.
How does O’Sullivan's absence affect the perception of the World Snooker Championship?
O’Sullivan's absence has overshadowed traditional discussions about the tournament, highlighting his significant influence in the sport.
