Ronnie O’Sullivan has slammed snooker player Mark Allen’s lifestyle of “beery, curry and betting” ahead of their World Championship play off on Friday.
The six-time champion said he prefers a healthier way of living and enjoys running and going to the gym to keep his mental health in check.
He said: “I think snooker can be one of the toughest sports – you're away from home a lot, you don't see your family, you're just continually going round playing,
“I try to run, do my gym, keep my sanity and keep my health, but some people find what I do painful."
Mark Allen plays a shot during day seven of the Betfred World Snooker Championships at The Crucible, Sheffield
Ian Hodgson
Ronnie O’Sullivan in action during day seven of the Betfred World Snooker Championships at The Crucible, Sheffield
Ian Hodgson
The 46-year-old added: “Mark Allen is like, ‘What? I've got to run seven miles, go to the gym? I'd rather have a curry, have a few bets on the football and have a few beers with my mates'.
“That's how he deals with it. Steve Davis used to play chess. You’ve got to do what you've got to do.”
The fiery comments seemed to be a response to Allen's previous digs.
The world No 1 from Northern Ireland said: “A day in the life of Ronnie O'Sullivan - I'm not sure I would want to be in it.
“He'll always bring a lot of off-table stuff with him, but that's part and parcel of what he brings to the sport.”
The pair will face each other on Friday, in the first session of their best-of-19 frame match at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.