Ronnie O'Sullivan branded a 'sell out' after opening first snooker academy in Saudi Arabia
Ronnie O'Sullivan has opened his first snooker academy in Saudi Arabia
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has angered some of his fans after proudly standing in front of his new snooker academy that opened in Saudi Arabia this week.
The 'Rocket' signed a three-year ambassadorial agreement with Saudi Arabia earlier this year, which prevents him from retiring until after 2026.
Part of the agreement saw O'Sullivan sign up to play in the World Masters of Snooker and Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters for three consecutive years.
He also signed up to undertake coaching trips to the Middle East with Saudi sporting chief Turki Alalshikh revealing a snooker academy would also be built in the seven-time world champion's name.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has opened his first snooker academy in Saudi Arabia
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The academy has now been built - O'Sullivan's first in the world - with five snooker tables and former world No 5 Nigel Bond working as the head coach.
O'Sullivan is hopeful the academy can one day produce a world champion from Saudi Arabia.
“This is a fantastic new facility and I am excited to be working here alongside the best talent in the Kingdom," he said.
"In snooker, like most sports, there is no substitute for hard work, and this academy will give players an opportunity practice in a great environment.
"I would love to see tour players and even World Champions from Saudi Arabia one day, and it will give me great satisfaction to play a role in their development.
"It’s a pleasure to be working with HE Turki Alalshikh on our shared ambition to bring through new players and grow the sport in the region.”
But the announcement didn't go down well with some of his fans on social media.
One moaned: "How about opening snooker academies in the UK to develop British players where the grassroots level needs massive investment. You are selling your soul Ronnie. When are you retiring? Hopefully soon."
Ronnie O'Sullivan wants the academy to produce a future world champion
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Another mockingly wrote: "'This will be the perfect place to develop future stars locally and globally' Come on man.. just sold your soul for money It's disgusting."
A third said: "Be nice to have opened something in the country what give you the opportunity to, money talks I suppose."
One other simply posted: "Embarrassing."
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Ronnie O'Sullivan signed a three-year agreement with Saudi Arabia earlier this year
XAnother message read: "Sell out."
O'Sullivan was making his first public appearance since suffering a surprise loss to He Guoqjang in the first round of the English Open last month.
He subsequently withdrew from two events and is not expected to play again until next month.