At the Welsh Open, Ronnie O’Sullivan advised John Astley to “find something else to do” following his 4-2 defeat by Mark Williams.
Currently serving as a pundit for the competition, O’Sullivan did not hold back when questioned about a shot that Astley missed with the score tied at 2-2. O’Sullivan is a seven-time world champion.
O’Sullivan gave Astley a harsh evaluation, saying that “maybe it’s time to find something else to do” and that Astley lacks a “snooker brain” and decent technique.
“If I have a chance, I think I should win the game,” he said to Eurosport. It’s difficult to turn down balls sometimes, but if I’m out of position, I’m taking it on because I just can’t accept that I won’t win the frame. In order to make sure the red goes away even if you miss it, I would probably try to screw that in and pinch it in a little.
However, he’s not even on the black to play it that way—poor shot. It’s just that he doesn’t really have a snooker brain. It takes a snooker brain on your part.
“There are individuals who excel in math, English, or snooker, while others simply lack the mental aptitude to play the game well and will never be able to do so because their brain isn’t designed for the game.”
“Although I don’t think any of the top five players have a snooker brain, they can get away with it because of their excellent technique. I won’t name them. He doesn’t have either. He is not technically proficient and lacks even a snooker brain.
“He’s just going to make 30s, 40s, miss balls and never do anything really. It’s unfortunate, but you’ve got to have one of the two. You’ve got to have good technique or a snooker brain and if you’ve got neither then maybe it’s time to find something else to do.”
O’Sullivan, who abruptly withdrew from the tournament, is now a pundit. He said on social media in a post: “Good morning, guys. I would like to inform you that I have decided not to play in Llandudno the following week.
It’s difficult to describe, but anxiety has occasionally caused me to experience stage fright for years. I do my best to manage it, but it’s not something I can predict or control. I apologize to everyone who purchased tickets, but at this time, I feel like this is the best thing for me, and I just can’t get my cue out.”
