I'll stay away says Ronnie, as China crisis looms

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But he made it clear that he believes the indignation over his obscene comments and gestures at the China Open has been blown out of proportion.

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China crisis: Ronnie O'Sullivan has offered to stay away from tournaments in China or even walk away from snooker over his behaviour at a press conference in Beijing last month

O'Sullivan said: 'The first I heard of it was when I got home. I was as surprised as anybody. I didn't realise that the mikes and cameras were on, I was just having a joke.

"But I've spoken to a few of my Chinese contacts and explained myself on China TV within 24 hours of landing back in England. As far as I know, there doesn't seem to be a problem.

"I do regret that it happened; it's been a great embarrassment personally. But I don't see how my reputation was damaged in China.

"I would volunteer not to play there out of respect to the Chinese people if anybody was offended.

O'Sullivan is chasing a third world title in Sheffield and beat Chinese teenager Liu Chuang 10-5 yesterday to set up a last-16 meeting with Mark Williams.

He could be hit with a fine or loss of ranking points by the WPBSA after the 888.com world championship and added: "It's been hard to concentrate on my game the last three weeks.

"I'm prepared to take my punishment and walk away. I don't want to bring this game down. If I get a letter from the Chinese sponsor saying we don't want you to play in these events, then I would step down. But that's not the vibe I get. It's been made bigger than it is.

"Even in this country, if they decide they don't want me, I can find something else to do. There's a big wide world out there if I'm that bad for the game.

"But I love playing in China. The people are very good to me. The Chinese people are very close to my heart, like family. I'll maybe live there one day."