Ronnie O'Sullivan escapes fine for skipping media duties at World Championship

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor

Published: April 19 2016 | 15:15

Last updated: April 21 2016 | 06:32

Ronnie O'Sullivan escapes with just a slap on the wrist after snubbing a mandatory post-match press conference following his first-round win at the World Championship.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has escaped any punishment except a warning after deciding not to do any post-match media interviews following his first-round win at the World Snooker Championship.

The five-time champion beat David Gilbert 10-7 to secure his place in the last 16 at the Crucible in Sheffield but skipped his mandatory media duties.

In a statement, World Snooker said: "Ronnie O'Sullivan has received a formal warning from World Snooker following his failure to fulfil media obligations at the Betfred World Championship on Monday.

"This is in line with World Snooker procedure as it is his first breach of contract this season. Any further breaches will result in a fine and possible referral to the WPBSA (World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association)."

O'Sullivan will face either Barry Hawkins or Zhang Anda in his second-round match, which will begin on Saturday.