Ronnie O’Sullivan did not attend the World Snooker Championship launch (Image: Getty Images)
Shaun Murphy hit out at the Sheffield no-shows of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump. The Magician reckons the absent duo could have done more to promote the game and may have damaged their own images in the process.
O’Sullivan and Trump are set to land fines after missing out on the World Snooker Championship launch at the Crucible Theatre.
All of the top 16 seeds are expected to be in attendance for the for the eve-of-tournament green carpet show which saw players introduced in the city’s Tudor Square and pose for an official picture taken with the trophy, as well as sign autographs for fans and speak with assembled press.
However, although 14 of the seeded stars did show up, the seven-times champion and the World No.1 did not and may now face a financial penalty from tournament bosses.
Neither player starts their tournament until Tuesday and it’s recently been suggested that O’Sullivan, who is based in Dubai, had intended to commute to the event from Ireland.
Trump, meanwhile, has been practising in Thailand having moved out of his base in Dubai due to the ongoing issues in the Middle East.
The pair could provide medical notes to excuse their absence, but, if not, would likely be landed with small fines.
Murphy, the 2005 World Champion, was amongst the other 14 top stars who attended and was asked whether the O’Sullivan and Trump no show gave snooker a bit of an image problem.
But he replied: “I don’t know about image problems. I think it might give those two a particular image problem. I think it might affect their image slightly.
“I’ve got no idea, but 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.”
The pair could provide medical notes to excuse their absence, but, if not, would likely be landed with small fines.
Australian star Neil Robertson landed a penalty of £250 for missing the pre-tournament photo three years due to traffic problems.
Murphy added: “I think it’s become normal that they don’t turn up for these types of things, but I’ve got no idea why they don’t come.
“They didn’t come to the Champions Dinner either last night, so I don’t know. You’d have to ask them why they don’t come. I’ve got no idea.”