But O’Sullivan wants the competition taken around the world, potentially to Saudi Arabia or China, and believes the experience for players and fans would be far better.

He said: “I don’t like the Crucible. I don’t think you can get in and out of it. I think it’s a wise decision to take it away from Sheffield. Still have a tournament there. Why not? But just not the World Championship over 17 days. It’s a massive circus and you need a massive space to accommodate it.

“I think Saudi Arabia would be great. They’ve got the resources and would do it great. If you’re going to take it to China, you’d have to take it to Shanghai. Or another major city like Shenzhen or Guangzhou.

“It’d be done properly. Courtesy cars will be laid on. Food will be there. Hotels will be great. Everything would be paid for. Prize money would be astronomical.”