31 July,2020 02:32 PM IST | London | AFP
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Ronnie O'Sullivan claims snooker stars are being treated like lab rats at this year's World Championship over the decision to allow spectators into snooker's premier event. O'Sullivan, a five-time world champion, launched his attack on the plan after asthma-suffering fellow player Anthony Hamilton said he fears for his health at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. The World Championship, which starts today, is one of three sports events in Britain used to test the safe return of fans in the COVID-19 pandemic.
O'Sullivan said: "They're treating this snooker event like lab rats really, so what can you do? You can sit here and complain and say it isn't right, but it is what it is. Maybe they have to start doing tests on crowds at some point. You've got to start somewhere, [so why not] start with snooker players - less insurance to pay out for Anthony Hamilton than there is for Lewis Hamilton."
He added: "I defy anybody, if they've been keeping their distance from people for four months, to say, 'oh right, now you've got to go into a room full of people' - unless you've got a death wish, and some people have in many ways and they just don't care."
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Meanwhile, Anthony Hamilton has withdrawn from the World Championship due to his COVID-19 concerns, World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn said on Thursday.
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