Ronnie O’Sullivan slammed by Daniel Wells at Welsh Open as rival claims Rocket’s remarks could damage his mental health

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has been slammed for strong comments about Daniel Wells that the Welsh amateur says could damage a player’s mental health.

Last week at the Welsh Open the Rocket, world No1 and reigning and seven-time world champion, singled out the 34-year-old Wells for a broadside.

GettyRonnie O’Sullivan in his fourth round match against Ben Mertens[/caption]

O’Sullivan, 47, claimed Wells – who fell off tour two years ago – should stick to being a part-time player, would never win a tournament and lacked the mental strength to succeed.

But almost immediately Neath’s Wells, who may well regain his pro card for next season, scored a huge shock win over former world champion and reigning Masters king Judd Trump.

O’Sullivan had said: “He’s never going to be a tournament winner. He’s just not good enough.

“He should just stay as a part-time player. There’s a lot of players on tour who can’t mentally sustain it.

“If I was advising him I’d tell him to stay as a part-time player.”

Wells said: “It was quite upsetting to hear someone who’s been one of my heroes saying those things about me.

“There’s a lot of talk about mental health in sport and comments like these are really tough to take for people.

“I’m quite strong as a person and I’ll deal with it but other people might not be as strong.

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“I missed a few events during Covid, which I got. I was ranked 52 in the world just before the pandemic.

“The pandemic really did affect me and sadly I fell off the tour.”

GettyDaniel Wells in the fourth round match against Shaun Murphy[/caption]