Former world snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has asked his fellow players to give the sport's bosses their backing in a crucial vote on Wednesday.

The world number one spoke out after thrashing Dominic Dale 5-1 in the second round of the British Open at Telford.

Three of O'Sullivan's fellow world champions - Terry Griffiths, Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry - are backing a move to try to oust the governing body of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

"It is a very important day for snooker," said O'Sullivan.

"Other players have been going on about the need for professional people to run the game. Now that's happened and they're still moaning.

"I don't understand why they are complaining. We've got the professionals now so give them a chance."

Despite his easy victory over Dale, O'Sullivan was far from happy with his game.

"I missed balls early on but that's because I'm not that good," he said.

Self-critical

"I've watched myself and I'm not really much good. That's a good thing because now I know why I worry about my game.

"If I was good I wouldn't worry about anything. Having watched myself, I've seen things that aren't right."

O'Sullivan now faces Benson and Hedges Masters champion Paul Hunter who got the better of Icelandic number one Kristjan Helgason 5-3.

Hunter made breaks of 85, 51 and 99. But Helgason, who beat Dave Harold 5-0 in the previous round, fought hard and came close to forcing a decider.