Mark Selby insists snooker would survive without star attraction Ronnie O'Sullivan.
O'Sullivan faces disciplinary action for his shocking behaviour at a press conference following his defeat to Marco Fu in the China Open.
The two-time world champion could be heard making lewd comments and sexual innuendoes while local journalists asked questions.
The 32-year-old also brandished a handheld microphone suggestively.
World Snooker boss Rodney Walker said O'Sullivan had acted ‘unacceptably’ and has referred the matter to the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association disciplinary committee.
Given his previous disciplinary problems and the seriousness of the offence, O'Sullivan faces a hefty fine and possible ban from a sport he has already threatened to quit on several occasions.
But despite complaints from an unnamed player in a Sunday newspaper about the lack of tournaments and reduction in prize money, Selby believes the sport would survive without its biggest name.
Speaking ahead of this year's 888.com World Championship, which starts on Saturday, last year's runner-up Selby said: ‘I think it's wrong what Ronnie said but I'm sure World Snooker will deal with it in the right manner and come out with the right decision.
‘The game does need Ronnie, it would be a loss without him, but I still think it will cope without him.’
Selby could be forgiven for adopting a less sympathetic attitude given O'Sullivan's criticism of him after the Welsh Open final earlier this year.
O'Sullivan said: ‘I don't know if Mark is talented,’ and accused him of playing ‘negative’ snooker after Selby fought back from 8-5 down to win 9-8 and claim his first ranking title.
But Selby has brushed off the criticism and has no plans to change his methodical technique at the Crucible.
‘Ronnie is Ronnie, he says some things that are right and some that are wrong,’ added the 'Jester from Leicester'.
‘Everyone has their own opinion but it was probably just a little bit of sour grapes because he lost in the final. I've just brushed it off.
‘I just play to win and try to make as little mistakes as possible. If it means me taking a little bit more time over a shot then so be it.
‘Ronnie is so natural he just sees the shots a lot quicker than a lot of other players. Not everyone can play like that.’
Selby's measured approach is certainly paying dividends at the moment with the 24-year-old the most in-form player this season.
O'Sullivan is favourite with the bookmakers but Selby won the Masters title on his Wembley debut this year and it took a 147 break in the final frame for O'Sullivan to win a thrilling UK Championship semi-final between the pair.
