Ronnie O'Sullivan described Alexandra Palace, the venue for the Masters snooker tournament, as "disgusting" following his 6-3 victory over Barry Hawkins in the competition's quarter-final stage on Thursday.
The Masters has been held at Alexandra Palace, also the venue for the World Darts Championship, since 2012.
"I just don't like this place, I find it disgusting," O'Sullivan said.
"Everywhere is dirty, cold, I'm freezing. I have to sit here in my coat.
"Everywhere you go, you're going through car parks, there are bins. I don't know if you've seen up there, there's food and stuff and it makes me feel ill to be honest with you.
"I'm a clean freak. When I come here, it gives me the heebie-jeebies and I can't wait to get out of here. I'm sorry, that's just how I feel."
Ronnie O'Sullivan's match-winning break that secured his place in the MrQ Masters semi-finals! 😮💨#TheMasters | @MrQBingo pic.twitter.com/TdzaXPjUq2
— WST (@WeAreWST) January 11, 2024
While wearing a Patagonia coat, O'Sullivan was interviewed on Eurosport following the match. The seven-time world snooker champion said he had felt mentally "numb" during the game.
READ MORE: Mark Selby Furious Over 'Brain Dead' Noise At Masters Snooker Venue
Before the tournament, O'Sullivan said playing for the crowd is what motivates him at this stage of his career.
"Awful, horrible," he replied when asked what it feels like to not be playing at the standard he wants.
"Just a hard game. It just shows that it's a tough game. I've found it pretty tough all my life, to be honest with you."
In a statement, the World Snooker Tour said that all "other players have spoken with unanimous positivity about the venue".
READ MORE: Despite Heckler, Murphy Makes Snooker History With 147 Maximum Break
Following his first round victory over Robert Milkins this week, Mark Selby complained about the noise at Alexandra Palace which had distracted him during a shot.
The sound of cutlery banging on a plate, which came from the Century Club section of the crowd where spectators can enjoy drinks and food during a match, had upset Selby.
The four-time world champion said it was "brain dead" that the area was not soundproofed.
O'Sullivan will face Shaun Murphy in the semi-finals.
Ronnie O’Sullivan:” I just feel sorry for Barry. He was playing good until he started playing with me. I just dragged him down to most awful standard of snooker” 🙂#snooker #ilovesnooker @ronnieo147
pic.twitter.com/88A800gz3S— I ❤️ Snooker (@ILoveSnooker_) January 11, 2024
See Also: World Number Seven Calls For 'Republic' To Host Major Snooker Tournament
