Ronnie O’Sullivan is facing a battle to retain his spot at the International Championship in China after another disagreement over his footwear. The Englishman has been nursing a foot injury for the last few weeks and the issue has proved to be a talking point at the latest event in Daqing. O’Sullivan, who is priced at 15/4 to win the 2018 Masters outright, had a blow up with organisers at the English Open a week ago after requesting to wear blue trainers on medical grounds.
The 41-year-old, who was eventually granted permission went on to win the English Open event, despite complaining of pain in his foot. The Rocket is still troubled by the injury and O’Sullivan has hinted he could be kicked out of the competition in the next few days. The five-time world champion took to Twitter to say that organisers have asked to be shown that he is medically incapable of walking in regular shoes.
O’Sullivan Tweeted: “I’m now being told unless I can convince the tournament director I can’t walk in a shoe I’m going to be disqualified from the event in China. “My foots bruised and still weak. Can’t walk in a shoe without being in discomfort…my black training shoe has the perfect support. “I don’t want to pull out.. I can play in my black trainers pain free.” However, the world number nine admits that he understands the rules and will accept any final decision made by the tournament director. He added: “Rules are rules and I should have got permission before the event.”
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