At the prestigious World Snooker Championship held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Ronnie O’Sullivan has been making headlines both on and off the table. In a gripping quarter-final match, O’Sullivan was locked in a tight battle with Stuart Bingham, with both players finishing the opening session tied at 4-4. Despite early struggles, O’Sullivan, who is aiming for a record-breaking eighth world title, managed to level the match with a series of impressive breaks.

Meanwhile, discussions of a potential breakaway tour akin to LIV Golf have stirred the snooker community. O’Sullivan, flirted with the idea of joining such a tour if a lucrative offer were presented. The snooker superstar indicated that while he is committed to playing in World Snooker Tour events in Saudi Arabia for the next three years, the concept of a big-money alternative tour was intriguing.

The tournament, which features a total prize fund of £2,395,000, has seen fierce competition from other top contenders, including Judd Trump and John Higgins. Trump ended his session against Jak Jones tied at 4-4, and Higgins staged a commendable fightback to trail Kyren Wilson 5-3 after being behind 4-0.

Additional drama unfolded as David Gilbert took a commanding 7-1 lead over Stephen Maguire, setting the stage for intense battles in the upcoming sessions. The championship continues to captivate fans with its high-caliber play and intriguing off-table narratives, promising more exciting snooker action as it progresses towards the finals on May 6.