The World Seniors Snooker Championship is supposed to be the most prestigious event on the tour for those players over 40 no longer at the top of the professional game, and this year was set to be particularly special with Ronnie O’Sullivan making his debut appearance. But the latest edition descended into farce this week amid player criticism, mysterious jumping balls and a “heartbroken” reigning champion. The tournament began with a war of words over whether or not the event should be held at the Crucible Theatre, as it has been since 2019. The world No 39, Dave Gilbert, made clear he was unhappy the seniors continue to play at snooker’s spiritual home. “I hate that they play the Seniors there,” he said this week. “I think that’s shocking. ‘The only people that should play at the Crucible are people that go through this qualifying school or a top 16 professional. It’s not for hacking around in exhibitions.…