Ronnie O'Sullivan has earned the right to be 'different' from other snooker players, according to Alan McManus.
The Rocket confirmed this week that he is set to take a break from competing, something McManus says only he can afford to do.
O'Sullivan won his record-extending eighth Masters title last Sunday, beating Ali Carter 10-7 at Alexandra Palace.
That meant he has now won two Triple Crown events in a row, following his triumph at the UK Championship in December.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has been branded 'different' from other snooker players
Getty
He is back in action this week at the World Grand Prix in Leicester.
But the 48-year-old is set to limit his tournament appearances in the coming months.
Former Scottish star McManus has no problem with O'Sullivan's schedule.
He says the success the seven-time world champion gets when he does play means he doesn't have to enter as many tournaments as other players.
McManus told ITV: "Ronnie, you could say is in a privileged position but actually he's not because he's put himself in the position.
"He's able to pick and choose. He's different, let's be honest and let's face it, he is different from other players because of his talent.
"He's only played, I think, six tournaments this season, they've not all been ranking events, but he's up there near the top of the tree.
"That's because of how good he is. So he's able to pick and choose, and that's fine."
O'Sullivan confirmed he will be putting a lot of his attention on exhibition events, as well as fulfilling sponsorship requirements.
He claimed he would only play enough tournaments in order to keep his tour card.
His old rival Stephen Hendry agrees with McManus that O'Sullivan is in a position where he can play when he wants.
Hendry said: "Yeah well he's busy, he's obviously earning a lot of money for his commitments away from the table. There's no doubt about that.
"I feel really sorry for him because he's won two major tournaments and he's going to drop off the tour and he's hoping for a wildcard. What a terrible position! I'm only joking.
"But Ronnie's in a great position, he can pick and choose.
"Because he has won the big events, he's probably guaranteed in the Tour Championship, everything, so he can pick and choose.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Ronnie O'Sullivan is set to reduce the number of tournaments he plays
PA
"Some of the players can't do that, they have to play everything.
"But yeah, it's just about managing your time."
Hendry, who has also won seven World Championships, says it is down to individual players to ensure their calendar suits them.
The Scot added: "Of course it is [a tough environment]. That's what separates the best from the rest.
"The people who can cope with it and the people who can't.
Ronnie O'Sullivan won his eighth Masters last weekend
PA
"But at the end of the day, the rules are you don't have to enter everything.
"Everyone's the same, you can pick and choose the tournaments, you don't have to enter everything.
"It's about players managing their own calendar and doing what's best for them. It's up to the individual.
"But in terms of the opportunities to play and earn, it's never been better."