Ronnie O’Sullivan has informed snooker’s chiefs that he will retire once and for all if the sport decides to copy darts with its pageantry. Darts is enjoying a popularity boom that snooker, among others, will be envious of thanks to Luke Littler . The razzmatazz, glitz and glamour at PDC events have further propelled the sport forward and fans have been thrilled with the addition of walk-on songs.
It has resonated with a younger audience in a way that snooker has struggled to. The number of snooker clubs across the UK is dwindling and with rumours that the World Championship could leave the Crucible in favour of a new home in Saudi Arabia, concerns are beginning to pile up. O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, continues to be the main draw at events and many were disappointed when the Rocket pulled out of the British Open on the eve of the first match .
The 48-year-old wants snooker to succeed but not at the cost of introducing walk-on songs for players when they enter the stage. When asked about how he would react if darts were copied in that fashion, he told talkSPORT : "I'd probably definitely retire! I'd be like: 'You know what? I'm out of here now'." This is far from the first time that O’Sullivan has threatened to walk out on snooker, but he has further explained what he plans to do with his time once a glittering professional career comes to an end.
"I would probably be spending more time playing in those events and doing exhibitions and stuff out there (in.