Barry Hearn has come to the defense of Ronnie O’Sullivan following his withdrawal from The Masters, urging other snooker players to elevate their game in his absence.

O’Sullivan, a renowned eight-time Masters champion, opted out of the prestigious tournament just before it commenced due to health reasons. Despite skipping several competitions in the past year, his participation in the London event was anticipated.

Hearn dismissed claims that O’Sullivan is solely driven by money and emphasized that it is now up to the rest of the sport’s players to engage spectators when the 50-year-old is not competing.

Speaking on the BBC’s Framed podcast, Hearn stated, “I’m not convinced Ronnie is driven by money; I believe that’s unfair. He plays when he chooses to. Ronnie upholds exceptionally high standards and is a unique talent we may not witness again in our lifetimes. Although someone may surpass him eventually, for now, he plays at his discretion, and I believe he has earned that privilege.”

Acknowledging the disappointment felt by fans when O’Sullivan is absent, Hearn reiterated the need for other players to step up and fill the void left by the snooker legend.

Hearn added, “Fans and remaining players must grasp the responsibility of succeeding the great man. Snooker thrives on figures like Ronnie O’Sullivan, and ideally, it should have multiple such figures. While I sense potential successors emerging, whether they are from England, Wales, Scotland, or China remains to be seen.”

He also emphasized O’Sullivan’s significant contributions to the sport over the years, expressing a desire for him to continue playing while prioritizing his well-being.

In summary, O’Sullivan’s absence underscores the challenge for others to shine in his shadow, with Hearn underscoring the importance of honoring O’Sullivan’s legacy in the sport’s future development.