Ronnie O'Sullivan has given a brutal verdict on a snooker rival by claiming he should give up the sport and 'find something else to do'.
O'Sullivan is on punditry duty at the Welsh Open this week and he pulled no punches when assessing the performance of John Astley.
The Rocket announced on Saturday that he had pulled out of the tournament in Llandudno, citing 'anxiety' and 'stage fright'.
But the seven-time world champion promised to be present at the venue, working for Eurosport on their coverage of the event.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has told snooker star John Astley to 'find something else to do'
Eurosport
O'Sullivan has never been afraid to give an honest assessment of his fellow players and did so again with a savage dig on Monday.
World No 78 Astley lost 4-2 in the first round of the tournament against one of O'Sullivan's long-term rivals Mark Williams.
O'Sullivan assessed Astley's performance afterwards, looking at a particular shot on the last red in the fifth frame which he missed.
The 48-year-old brutally claimed Astley neither has a snooker brain nor a good technique and advised him to find another career.
O'Sullivan said: "For me, if I've got a chance, I think I should win the game. If I'm out of position I'm taking it on because I just can't accept that I'm not going to win the frame so it's hard to refuse balls sometimes.
"I'd probably try and screw that in, pinch it in a bit and at least if you miss it the red goes away.
"But to play it like that, he's not even on the black... bad shot. He ain't got a snooker brain really, that's what it is. You've got to have a snooker brain.
"Some people are good at maths, some people are good at English, some people just have a snooker brain and some people just don't play the right shot and they'll never play the right shot because their brain doesn't think like a snooker player.
"There are some top five players, I won't mention any names, that I don't think have a snooker brain but they have such good technique that they can get away with it.
"He has neither. He doesn't have a good technique and he doesn't even have a snooker brain.
"He's just going to make 30s, 40s, miss balls and never do anything really. It's unfortunate, but you've got to have one of the two.
"You've got to have good technique or a snooker brain and if you've got neither then maybe it's time to find something else to do."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
John Astley suffered defeat in the first round of the Welsh Open
PA
O'Sullivan has not played a match since beating Alfie Burden in a qualifier for the World Open on January 23.
He was expected to make a return at the Welsh Open but confirmed in a statement on Saturday that he was not ready.
O'Sullivan wrote: "Morning guys, I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided I’m not able to play in Llandudno next week.
"It’s hard to explain but for years I’ve suffered from stage fright at times, brought on by anxiety. It’s not something I can predict or control, but I try to manage it as best as I can.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is currently enjoying a break from snooker
Getty
"I’m sorry to everyone who’s bought tickets, but I just can’t get my cue out when I feel like this and I think this is what’s best for me right now.
"I still want to be around the tournament, so I’ll be doing some work with Eurosport and I hope to see you all there."
