Rodney Walker, Chairman of World Snooker, the sport's governing body, apologized on Friday for O'Sullivan's behavior at a news conference two days ago.

In the statement, Walker said, "I have been aware of the video of Ronnie O'Sullivan's press conference on Wednesday night. I arrived in Beijing this morning and immediately viewed the footage. In my opinion, Ronnie O'Sullivan's behavior was unacceptable. The matter has been referred to the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) Disciplinary Committee and is under review."

During the news conference after "the Rocket" was ousted in the first round by Chinese Hong Kong star Marco Fu 5-4, he looked bored when a female translator asked questions from media, and then brandished a hand-held microphone suggestively. He then made a further sexual reference and began laughing.

"On behalf of World Snooker, I have apologized in person today to the promoter of the Honghe Industrial 2008 World Snooker China Open. I would also like to send my apologies to the people of China for any offence that may have been caused," added Walker.

It is not O'Sullivan's first time unacceptable by the non-snooker world. In May 2007, he was fined 1,000 pounds for walking out of his Maplin UK Championship quarterfinal with Stephen Hendry.

In 1998, he tested positive for cannabis and was subsequently stripped of his Irish Masters title.

(Xinhua News Agency March 29, 2008)