World number one Judd Trump has launched a scathing attack on young British snooker players, claiming they lack the work ethic to challenge their Chinese counterparts.
His comments come just days after Zhao Xintong made history by becoming China's first world champion at the Crucible.
Trump, 35, who claimed the world title himself in 2019, believes British youngsters simply don't have the hunger or dedication required to compete at the highest level.
The criticism highlights growing concerns about the future of British snooker amid China's rising dominance.
Judd Trump labelled British youngsters lazy compared to the Chinese
PA
China's snooker dominance is becoming increasingly evident with a record ten players from the Far East competing at the Crucible this year.
Five Chinese players now rank in the elite top 16, with ten inside the top 32.
Most impressively, many of these rising stars are under the age of 30, suggesting China's influence on the sport will only grow stronger.
The emergence of such talent at "freakish regularity" from China stands in stark contrast to the perceived decline in British prospects.
Trump didn't mince his words when explaining the disparity between British and Chinese players.
"I just think kids from the UK don't want to work as hard. It is as simple as that," the former world champion stated bluntly.
He dismissed any notion that British youngsters lack opportunities.
"I don't think they have less chances. I don't think they want it as bad as some of the players over there," Trump continued.
His assessment points to a fundamental difference in attitude rather than ability or access to facilities.
According to Trump, modern lifestyle choices are a key factor in the decline of British talent.
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"A lot of kids nowadays probably, their lifestyle is too luxurious. They want all the latest gadgets, and trainers and not willing to lock themselves in a room for 5-6 hours a day, which many of the Chinese players do," he explained.
Trump did single out one promising exception in the British ranks.
"Stan Moody is one of them, who looks like he wants it and works hard," he acknowledged.
The stark contrast in practice habits appears to be the crucial difference.
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PAThe former world champion was unequivocal about what separates the rising Chinese stars from their British counterparts.
"They are hungrier than them. That is my attitude," Trump insisted.
"But other than that, I don't think the hunger is there to be honest. And you can see that when they play."
