Ronnie O'Sullivan has admitted snooker can be 'tough' as he looks to win the World Championship for the eighth time in his career.
The Rocket is one of the best cueists of all time and faces off against Ryan Day today looking to make the quarter-finals of the competition.
O'Sullivan has beaten Day in the past and the 44-year-old recently admitted that he was still scarred from his past matches with the snooker icon.
And O'Sullivan has now responded, admitting he doesn't have much sympathy while also insisting he does his best to support other snooker players amid a 'tough' lifestyle.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has admitted snooker can be 'tough' for players
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"Not really," he said when asked if he has any sympathy for his opponents.
"It’s the nature of the sport and it’s what you’re involved in.
"It’s quite unforgiving out there on the tour. It’s really tough on the tour, I took a lot of poundings over the years as a junior and amateur, it just makes you stronger.
"It’s tough. I support all the guys on the tour because I know it’s tough.
"No matter where you are there’s always someone chasing you or you’re trying to stay ahead of the next guy. It’s very competitive."
Day was full of praise for O'Sullivan prior to today's clash, insisting the snooker star is the 'best player ever'.
He said: "It has been remarkable. O’Sullivan’s longevity is off the charts.
"The Class of 92 that everyone talks about. Probably three of the top four or five greatest players that have ever played. To still be doing it at 48 or 49 is mesmerising.
"I’m 44. I am no spring chicken. I can maybe take a bit of hope from that.
"I cannot wait to get a crack at O’Sullivan. Look, the greatest player ever. I have got to worry about what I can control and see where that takes me."
Meanwhile, talk of a breakaway snooker tour has arisen over the last few months.
And O'Sullivan has admitted he could walk away from the sport entirely if he doesn't feel valued.
"Every player has the right to do what they want to do," he said.
"Each sportsman is a business, whether you like it or not and it's just like any other job - if you get a better offer, you're going to go.
"What is a better offer? For some people it might be a reduced schedule, it might be more money.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan faces Ryan Day in their World Snooker Championship clash today
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"Everyone has a different idea of what is right for them and everyone has the right to make that decision for themselves.
"I'll go wherever I'm looked after and wherever I feel like I'm valued.
"For me, I just want to play snooker, I want to have fun, I want to be looked after and pampered.
"Anyone who wants to pamper me and look after me, I'm your man."
When quizzed further, he added: "The bottom line is, you've got to be prepared to walk away.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is looking to win the World Snooker Championship for the eighth time
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"If I didn't get what I want, am I prepared to walk away from the sport? The answer is yes.
"I'm happy with my life. I don't need the financial rewards that snooker has offered me.
"I'm playing because I want to play but I have a value. I'm away from home and my family need looking after.
"A lot of it is done for them really, so I have to value my time and that's what it's all about."
