Ronnie O'Sullivan thinks John Higgins and Mark Williams may play their snooker 'somewhere else'

Rumours of a breakaway snooker circuit have been circulating on social media over the past few weeks and speculation continues following comments made by Ronnie O’Sullivan in a Crucible post-match press conference about fellow snooker legends John Higgins and Mark Williams.

During the Tour Championship earlier this month, and after his opening round exit at the World Championship a few days ago, seven-time Triple Crown event winner Williams appeared to give somewhat cryptic responses when discussing his future in certain professional events.

Even snooker supremo Barry Hearn openly talked about the breakaway hearsay to the press during his day out in Sheffield on Wednesday.

Following his first round win over Jackson Page in this year’s Championship, O’Sullivan was asked about the futures of the other two members of the fabled ‘Class of 92’. He said: “There's a talk that they might be going to another tour, so maybe they will be playing, but maybe not on the WST Tour.

“Every player has the right to do what they've got to do; you see it in other sports like golf. So I think they'll be playing, but maybe somewhere else.

“It's just like any other job really, isn't it? If you get a better offer you're going to go. What is a better offer? Some people it might not be money, it might be a reduced schedule. It might be more money, more busy. Everyone has a different view on what is right for them.”

When asked about his own future and whether he would consider playing in similar events, the world number one replied: “I'm just an open book, I'm here for the best offer. Come speak to me! Speak to my agent and let’s talk.

“But listen, we all have families to feed. Each sportsman is a business whether you like it or not, so you have to do what's right for you.

“And we live in a competitive world, so you know, it's great that there's the choice out there.”