The two men will face off in Leicester on Thursday
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Ronnie O'Sullivan's father has launched a blistering attack on Barry Hearn ahead of his son's clash with Zhou Yuelong on Thursday.
The Rocket has had no time to rest following his dramatic Masters triumph over Ali Carter on Sunday night.
O'Sullivan won against Pang Junxu in Leicester on Tuesday.
And he'll play his third match in just five days when he faces Yuelong.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's father has lashed out on social media in defence of his son ahead of Zhou Yuelong
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O'Sullivan is soon scheduled to head to Barnsley for a match against Alfie Burden as he looks to qualify for the finals of the World Open.
That tournament will be held in China later in the year.
And O'Sullivan's father, Ronnie O'Sullivan Sr, has now criticised Hearn for his son's schedule.
Writing on X, he said: "Arrived in Leicester. I managed to get a few hours kip I’m absolutely worn out and I’m not playing.
"And straight after this one my son has to travel to Barnsley round the back of a working man’s club to qualify for the tournament in China.
"I’ve lost all respect for baz hernia.
"Once you lose respect for someone, there’s no return. "Treated my son atrociously. Mental health is a very important issue because Ronnie has been there.
"I hope that the WST support any snooker players after this gruelling regime they are being put through.
"On your head bazzer."
He then proceeded to accuse Hearn of 'getting a big buzz' of pushing snooker players to their limit.
"I’ve lost all respect for baz hernia.
"Once you lose respect for someone, there’s no return. "Treated my son atrociously. Mental health is a very important issue because Ronnie has been there.
"I hope that the WST support any snooker players after this gruelling regime they are being put through.
"On your head bazzer."
He then proceeded to accuse Hearn of 'getting a big buzz' of pushing snooker players to their limit.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan's father has criticised Barry Hearn online for snooker star's schedule
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O'Sullivan himself, meanwhile, has admitted he regrets attending the competition in Leicester - despite winning his match on Tuesday.
"Yeah definitely I'm going to miss quite a few tournaments now after this," he said.
"I shouldn't really have come here, to be honest with you. I thought I'd hurt my right ear.
"I thought I'd just turn up but in hindsight, I should have just bailed on this one as well.
"But I'm here now, so I'm going to give it my best shot."
Ronnie O'Sullivan has already returned to action just days after Masters triumph
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He continued: "I'm going to try to qualify for the China event because I like the China events.
"That will be pretty much be me done until the next ITV event.
"I'll show up for the Players as well because that is quite a decent tournament."