O'Sullivan calls for 'Champions League' of snooker

Ronnie O’Sullivan says he would leave the tour in favour of a Champions’ League style competition after surviving a second-round scare against Ken Doherty.

The five-time world champion came from behind to beat Doherty 6-5 and voiced some strong opinions on his future in the sport during his post-match interview.

O’Sullivan compared himself and other top players on the tour to footballer Lionel Messi, claiming the Argentine would become “fed up” if faced with playing lesser opposition on a regular basis.

“What I am hoping for is that there are enough players that are a bit fed up and want to play in a Champions League-type style but still play for trophies and good prize money on a one-table setup,” O’Sullivan said.

“I am waiting for four or five unhappy players because I can’t play on my own – but I am ready to go. If someone offered me another platform to go and play on I would be gone tomorrow.

“I am being patient at the moment – I think I have still got at least 15 years left in this game because I can play until my mid-fifties easily, there is no rush, but I am still waiting for a few more players.

“The public would have the choice of seeing eight of the best players play each other week-in week-out like you do with the Champions League. You don’t see Leyton Orient turning up to play against Lionel Messi at Barcelona – it just doesn’t happen.”

“It is de-motivating and I think Messi would get fed up playing against Huddersfield and Leyton Orient. He wants to play against Ronaldo and he wants to hear that Champions’ League music – that is what gets you excited.”

Watch the Snooker UK Championship LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds