IT would appear that snooker hero Ronnie Sullivan's fierce criticism of the K2 in Crawley has fallen on deaf ears.

RONNIE O’Sullivan has defended his scathing criticism of the English Open venue, insisting he does not want to be “traipsing through kids with snorkels” on his way to a match.

The five-time world champion described the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley as a “hell hole” and claimed he could smell urine in the player interview area after his first-round win on Monday.

O’Sullivan expanded on his criticism while fellow players Stephen Maguire and Mark Allen also expressed some concerns.

“I don’t think it is harsh at all, the facts are the facts,” the 42-year-old said.

But a national newspaper is reporting today that World Snooker are planning to return to Crawley next year after a surge in ticket sales.