The World Snooker Championship begins on Saturday in Sheffield, with all eyes on Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Despite not having won the title since 2013, the 41-year-old remains the biggest star in the game. This season, O'Sullivan has won The Masters in London and he reached the final of the European Masters and UK Championship.
Throughout the season, O'Sullivan has been a tough interviewee after matches, giving one-word answers, and even using a robotic voice after a match at the Welsh Open.
Ahead of the World Championships, the head of World Snooker, Barry Hearn has said that the five-time World Champion needs to "grow up", in his dealings with the media.
Ronnie O'Sullivan goes robotic in interview... pic.twitter.com/GKDc0E6P0G
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 7, 2017
"I'm going to be having a word", Hearn told the Press Association. "Ronnie's monosyllabic remarks are not a breach of the rules but certainly they are a breach of the spirit of how those rules are interpreted."
"And I would hope that common sense comes back, because what started off as being quite amusing has now become in my view embarrassing for everyone, including Ronnie."
"I'm a fan of the relationship between the players and the press. It's time for Ronnie to grow up a little bit now."
O'Sullivan is the 12th seed for the tournament. He begins his 25th World Championships on April 19th against a yet unnamed qualifier.
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