Ronnie O’Sullivan will not have Wild Card in 2012 Shanghai Masters snooker event
Recently the snooker governing body, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) responded to the comments of reigning World Snooker Champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan regarding his contract with the association. The Rocket wrote on his Weibo page
(a Chinese social networking website like Twitter) that he will like to take part in the 2012 Shanghai Masters snooker event.
O’Sullivan further stated that he has not signed his new tour contract because he believes it was too restrictive. The Essex Exocet added that he will like to enter 2012 Shanghai Masters as a wild card entrant if the promoter allows him. The Wordsley potter
wants the WPBSA to operate like golf and tennis where players are given wild cards in any event by the promoters.
The WPBSA responded to his comments, “Much like those in Golf and Tennis, the contract lays out to the players what is expected of them as professional sportsmen. 98 of the 99 professional tour players have signed the contract.”
As far as awarding wild cards is concerned, the organisation believes, “Wild cards are only available to amateur players from the host country or region, and they are selected in conjunction with World Snooker, the WPBSA, the National Governing Body and
the Promoter of the event.”
A couple of weeks ago, the Rocket made it clear that he will take part in only selective events as he wants some break before beginning his new season campaign. He feels that some time should be given to the players to spend with their family and friends.
The association responded to his comments in an official statement saying that the players are allowed to participate in any event but they must sign the new season tour contract to become officially a part of the tour.
It has been made quite clear by the WPBSA that whatever the case, a player has to sign the new tour contract in order to be eligible for playing in the professional tournaments. They cannot change the rules for one player at the time when other potters are
participating in the tournaments without any objection.
It will be interesting to see what Ronnie decides as his fans are looking forward to seeing him in action soon.
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