Company part-owned by Ronnie O’Sullivan launch £10.2MILLION lawsuit against snooker chiefs over plans for new event
A COMPANY that lists Ronnie O’Sullivan as a shareholder is launching a £10.2million lawsuit against snooker bosses.
NST Worldwide Ltd accuses paymasters of alleged “unlawful and anti-competitive” behaviour.
It follows a request to stage a new eight-player series on TV this year outside of the World Snooker Tour calendar.
O’Sullivan, 49, Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams, Neil Robertson and Kyren Wilson have been associated with the new venture.
Yet players who have a Tour Card require permission to appear in any non-sanctioned TV tournaments.
Two of four proposed Grand Slam events — organised by promoter Jason Francis — received approval but the others were refused, according to NST.
NST director Francis posted online about taking the WST and governing body WPBSA to the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal “for abuse of their dominant position” in the game.
The Snooker Legends X account said it relates to unfair contractual relationships with pro players and “erecting barriers to entry for competitors”.
O’Sullivan owns a stake in the private limited company but is NOT a director.
A source said: “Ronnie isn’t involved with the lawsuit and has no specific problem with WST or Matchroom.”
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A World Snooker Tour spokesperson said: “WST rejects the claims and will defend them.”
O’Sullivan has been focused on his snooker after a horror week at the Championship League.
The Rocket withdrew from the competition after a frustrating loss to Robert Milkins, throwing his cue in the bin on the way out of the Mattioli Arena.
While he also pulled out of The Masters just days before his scheduled title defence on medial grounds.
Inside Ronnie's colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
Check out all our latest Ronnie O’Sullivan articles.