Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed how he had drunk fans screaming in his face while he was having a meal during a recent break at the World Snooker Championship.

The Rocket is chasing a seventh title at The Crucible over the next couple of weeks in Sheffield.

However, O'Sullivan has revealed his concerns about the returning fans, with around a third of The Crucible’s capacity being used.

Spectators are allowed to drink alcohol while inside, but players have been advised not to pose for selfies or sign autographs while the tournament is going on.

That hasn't stopped fans approaching players though, according to O'Sullivan, who said that he had a very small minority of those in attendance coming up very close to him.

“I had a boozed up guy on top of me, screaming in my face,” he said.

“They should ban booze. You should let them out but you should ban booze.

“Once you get a drink in them they just go mental and forget don’t they.

“They’re nutcases, he was shouting at me p***sed up.

“I was trying to have a coffee and enjoy my food, it was embarrassing really.

"It’s great having a crowd in because they force you to try a bit.

"The majority were fine, but it was just one or two getting a bit close."

Despite the security concerns, O'Sullivan did get off to a winning start the the World Championships, beating Mark Joyce 10-4 on Saturday.

The Rocket completed a hat-trick of centuries to secure the victory with the scores as tight as 6-4 at one stage.

O'Sullivan will now face the winner of the match between Anthony McGill and Ricky Walden in the next round.

READ MORE:Ronnie O'Sullivan shares retirement update after leaving snooker fans panicked

READ MORE:Snooker legend Steve Davis prefers his music exploits to his six world titles