Following an emotional conversation with competitor Anthony McGill during the Welsh Open, Ronnie O’Sullivan has demanded that a doctor be hired close to every snooker competition. In an open discussion about mental health, McGill claimed that he “hates” the manner that he plays, despite having defeated hometown favorite Mark Williams in the second round.
O’Sullivan, who has been upfront about his struggles with addiction and depression throughout his career, withdrew from the Llandudno event citing “stage fright.” Even though McGill outlasted Williams 4-1 with an average of just 21 seconds per shot, he expressed “doubt” about his performance and talked about the psychological challenges faced by professional snooker players.
I simply detest my style of snooker,” the player confessed on Eurosport. “I just don’t like how slow it is all the time. It’s not intentional; I just do it because I have self-doubt. He gestures up to where it is. It’s a challenging game played in the ears.”
Speaking to a depleted McGill, O’Sullivan noted that difficulties are typical on the professional circuit in a sport like snooker, which is primarily mental. Only two players were picked out by the Rocket, who may have a lighter case of those problems than others due to their playing styles.
O’Sullivan continued, “You can play with a broken arm or foot, but you can forget trying to play this game if your head is bad.” It’s possible to get away with it sometimes, but temperament is key. We’re all affected by the game. Without a doubt, it’s the most annoying game ever.
“Yes, most of the time, if you ask all 128 players if they suffer with it. The only possible exceptions would be John Higgins and Neil Robertson, who are technically so good that they occasionally have less frustrating days. It’s simply the way the beast is.”
O’Sullivan continued by suggesting that each snooker event have a doctor’s office adjacent to it so that players could talk openly about their personal mental health.
It would be wise to have a physician present at each competition, he continued. “Have his small surgery around the corner, and any player could spend ten or fifteen minutes there if they felt hopeless.”
Sometimes all you need is someone who understands the challenges of the game and who knows what you’re going through. Let’s go again tomorrow. Let’s get it off your chest. It wasn’t that horrible. I hold this game and its participants in the highest regard.”
After collaborating with Tony Adams, the legendary Arsenal player, and his organization Sporting Chance, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association does provide assistance to players. Professional and former athletes who struggle with emotional and behavioral issues might receive their services.
