Ronnie O’Sullivan has accused snooker bosses of cutting corners with tournament venues and branded the English Open venue a urine smelling "hellhole".

The Rocket began the defence of his English Open title with an easy 4-1 win over Norway’s Kurt Maflin.

But the five-time world champion was furious about the choice of the K2 leisure centre facility in Crawley – a new home for the event.

O’Sullivan, who lifted the trophy last year in Barnsley, said: “It is such a bad venue, and since being here it just demotivates you from wanting to play.

Ronnie O'Sullivan was not impressed with the K2 in Crawley (
Image:
Visual China Group)

The 42-year-old said: "It's such a bad venue, it demotivates you to want to play.

"This is about as bad as I've ever seen. It's a bit of a hellhole."

"I don't know what this gaff is, but I've just done an interview and all I can smell is urine.

“I shouldn’t have to stand here for four or five minutes inhaling urine while I have my picture taken. In some ways you just don’t want to be here.

The British Open is taking place in the K2 leisure centre in Crawley (
Image:
Google Maps)

"It's just got no atmosphere in there. I'm practising and I've got wires all around the table. There's no security, you've got people running at you left, right and centre.

"It's not the fans' fault. They (World Snooker) obviously haven't got the budget to run it properly.

"I don't know where their budget is but they're cutting corners. I think they should invest in good venues. Players deserve better.

“When you have played as long as I have you feed off good venues and a good set-up. But I have to be honest with you, this is about as bad as I have ever seen.

Ronnie O'Sullivan eased through the first round in Crawley despite the facilities (
Image:
PA)

World Snooker and the K2 have been approached for comment by Press Association Sport.

O'Sullivan began his title defence in convincing fashion, needing just over an hour to see off Maflin.

His victory included a break of 104 in the second frame, moving him a step close to becoming the first player to record 1,000 tons.