Ronnie O'Sullivan claimed that the young players in snooker weren't good enough to be amateurs, as he delivered the most brutal put down in sport.
The legendary O'Sullivan faced China's Ding Junhui in an excellent second round tie at the 2020 World Championship, beating the Chinese player 13-10 on Sunday evening.
That win set up a quarter final with fellow legend Mark Williams, with the two men having won a combined eight world titles, playing in 51 World Championships between them and have a combined age of 89.
Advert
Asked about the surprise of the two old timers reaching the quarters, O'Sullivan, in typical fashion, didn't hold back.
Certainly the tournament is lacking good up and comers with O'Sullivan and Williams joined by other familiar names in the final eight.
The winner of their quarter will meet either Mark Selby or Neil Robertson, two other former winners, whilst the top half sees defending champion Judd Trump take on Kyren Wilson and surprise package Kurt Maflin will take on either Anthony McGill or Jamie Clarke. At 25 Clarke is the youngest man left in the tournament currently.
Advert
Understandably O'Sullivan's comments split opinion with some believing that his forthright attitude was enjoyable and others thinking he was being disrespectful.
It's very much in keeping with the general attitudes towards the 44-year-old. He is a fan favourite to many but others have become frustrated and annoyed with his behaviour both on and off the baize.
Advert
Despite being ranked sixth at this year's tournament, and still winning away from the World Championships, O'Sullivan hasn't been to the final since 2014 and hasn't won it since 2013, going out in the first two rounds in three of the previous four years.
Do you think O'Sullivan is right about the current crop of players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: BBC/PATopics: Ronnie O'Sullivan, snooker
