Sports
Ronnie O’Sullivan Criticizes Alexandra Palace Venue
Seven-time Masters champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has expressed his disdain for the Alexandra Palace venue, describing it as ‘disgusting’ and claiming it makes him feel ill. O’Sullivan, a prominent figure in snooker, went on to say that the iconic north London venue is dirty and he can’t wait to leave.
O’Sullivan, who holds the title for most Masters wins, made these comments after winning his quarter-final match on Thursday to secure a place in the semi-finals. He went on to express his dissatisfaction with the venue’s cleanliness and cold atmosphere, stating that he feels the need to wear his coat everywhere. O’Sullivan even mentioned being a clean freak and feeling uncomfortable in the venue.
Alexandra Palace, a historic building constructed in 1865, has been the host of the Masters tournament since 2012. It is also well-known for hosting the PDC World Darts Championship and recently hosted the World Salsa Championships. Responding to O’Sullivan’s remarks, the World Snooker Tour (WST) defended the venue, highlighting the positive feedback they have received from other players. The tour organization also emphasized the high level of excitement among fans and the record-breaking ticket sales for this year’s tournament.
An Alexandra Palace spokesperson acknowledged O’Sullivan’s dissatisfaction but expressed disappointment, reiterating their commitment to providing a top-notch venue for the event. They cited the overwhelming positive feedback received in recent years and hoped to change O’Sullivan’s perception, making his experience enjoyable for the rest of the tournament.