Ronnie O'Sullivan: will not take part in this year's Premier League
Reigning world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is to take a break from snooker after refusing to sign the contract binding tour players.
O'Sullivan said after winning his fourth Crucible title in Sheffield that he would "have four, five, six months off and assess the situation".True to his word, he has not signed the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association agreement ahead of the entry deadline for the first two ranking events of the season.'The Rocket' was critical of the demands of the contract in a statement released by his management company, Grove Leisure.Too onerous"I hope to remain involved in the sport in some way in the future."Ronnie O'SullivanQuotes of the weekThe statement read: "I have decided not to enter any tournaments for the time being, including this year's Premier League and forthcoming WPBSA ranking events."I have not signed the player's contract as I feel the contract is too onerous and am in a stage of my career where I don't wish to make this commitment."I still want to play snooker and visit those places around the world such as China where snooker is enthusiastically received and adored."I hope to remain involved in the sport in some way in the future."His decision means he will miss the Wuxi Classic in China, as well as the subsequent Australian Goldfields Open.The Englishman has also declined to enter the Premier League, though he will have the opportunity to sign the contract at any time and compete in ranking events later in the year.The next competition entry deadline arrives next month, with September's Shanghai Masters the next ranking event after Australia.
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