Snooker: Ronnie O'Sullivan advising children not to play snooker 'a disgrace', says John Higgins

Six-time world champion O'Sullivan says he would not recommend for children to pursue a career in snooker

John Higgins has called Ronnie O'Sullivan's comments telling young children not to take up snooker a "disgrace".

He also said he would not want his own children to play the sport, adding that he would "prefer them to play golf, football or tennis".

Higgins said O'Sullivan's comments were "dreadful".

Speaking at the Scottish Open, O'Sullivan told Eurosport: "If I had a child I would not want him to play snooker, I really wouldn't.

"I'd rather he played golf, football or tennis. Maybe 20-25 years ago it was a sexy sport but it has kind of fallen behind to other sports, somewhat.

"If you have a child you'd want them to get into a sport like Emma Raducanu, she's doing fantastic. You look at the golfers like Rory McIlroy and the footballers, it's just lovely sports to be in."

The 46-year-old also spoke of the difficulties that lower-ranked players face with lack of prize money and suggested that expenses should be covered for first-round losers.

Higgins, also 46, agreed with O'Sullivan's comments on prize money but criticised the Englishman's view on children taking up snooker and said he "should know better".

"I heard Ronnie, I thought it was a disgrace what he was saying," said four-time world champion Higgins.

"That he'd be saying to young kids, 'don't play snooker', I thought that was dreadful for someone as good as that to sit there and say that.

"But he was right what he was saying about first-round prize money, I agree with that if you're a professional."

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