'Rocket' ready for Hearn era
Saturday, 9 January 2010 17:46Ronnie O'Sullivan believes the Masters at Wembley heralds a new era for snooker as Barry Hearn begins to make an impact in his new role in the sport.
O'Sullivan, 34, has previously been disillusioned with the sport but is optimistic about the future following Hearn becoming the new chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association last month.
Hearn also chairs the Professional Darts Corporation and O'Sullivan is encouraged by the way he revived that sport.
'There will be a lot less red tape now Barry has come in,' said world number one O'Sullivan.
'It will give an opportunity to be a bit more flexible and give room for people to work. That will encourage new sponsors, encourage change for the better in the game.
'I was at the darts and watching the operational side of it and the production involved is good. I think that will come into snooker.'
The Masters, starting on Sunday, is a non-ranking invitational event but still has a huge profile due to the history, venue and prize money on offer.
There is a new sponsor for the tournament, PokerStars.com, and a new sponsor for O'Sullivan, who have provided him with a purple cue that he may use.
It all adds to the different atmosphere now Hearn is at the top.
O'Sullivan is willing to play his part as a figurehead but added: 'I'm not one to negotiate with what I do as far as I play.
'I believe what I deliver on the table is the most important thing for me. If someone asked me to do something that would compromise what I'm doing then it's not up for negotiation.
'If he is willing to accept me for who I am, then great. If he would ask me to make a few changes to benefit the game and it's not going to compromise how I play the game, then I'm open to that.'
O'Sullivan added: 'I will try to prolong me career any way I can, ie if Barry introduces a new format, a new tournament, a doubles tournament or something like that.'
