Ronnie O’Sullivan claims he’s happy to get KO’d in world champ first round
The Rocket whose last world title came in 2013 says he does not have a point to prove to anybody when the tournament begins on Saturday
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN is not bothered if he wins a sixth world snooker crown — and would be happy to lose in the FIRST ROUND!
The No 1-rated player, whose last world title came in 2013 says he does not have a point to prove to anybody when the tournament begins on Saturday.
Though he enjoys the Crucible as a venue, the Rocket dislikes the best-of-25 and 33 frame format.
And he has only made two quarter-final appearances in his past four visits.
O’Sullivan said: “I’ve not been sitting here thinking it’s all about Sheffield.
“In fact, I’m thinking an early bath at Sheffield would probably be quite good.
“I’ve never really enjoyed any of the tournaments there. It goes on far too long.
“If you win it, a week later you think it was all worth it when it sinks in.
“But if you haven’t won it, it’s a load of old stress for nothing really. There can only be one winner.
“Last year I had the best time in Sheffield.
“I lost in the second round (to Ali Carter) but then worked for TV. I stayed on my houseboat. It was a brilliant holiday.
“For me, a great result this year would be either first or second round or quarters.
“Obviously it would be nice to go all the way, but I really ain’t that bothered. I’m not playing down expectations. I’ve nothing to prove.”
O’Sullivan says playing to his own schedule is the best way to maintain his interest in the sport and added: “Most people have to do jobs that they don’t like. I’m fortunate — I play a sport that I love.
“There are parts of the sport I don’t like. It’s about minimising the amount of time I have to be around the bits I don’t enjoy.
“Playing snooker, doing exhibitions, TV stuff . . . it helps me stay relevant. It stops me going into Big Brother and the jungle!
“If I was all about snooker, I probably wouldn’t play any more. I don’t want to be on the hamster wheel running backwards.”
O’Sullivan reckons his legacy in the sport is cemented, even though he is two world titles shy of Stephen Hendry’s record of seven.
The 43-year-old says he deserves to be mentioned in pub conversations about who is the best player to use a competitive cue.
O’Sullivan, , said: “It’s like saying Lionel Messi is not the greatest football player because he hasn’t won the World Cup. I don’t buy that.
“I probably have every record other than the seven world titles. But I don’t have to beat that to be regarded as one of the greatest.”
The Rocket, who has rapped the format of the World Snooker Tour, often threatens to walk away from the competitive arena or join the Seniors Tour.
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He has seen 16-time darts world champion Phil Taylor quit and earn lots of money on the exhibition circuit.
O’Sullivan added: “I’m just biding my time and plotting my exit. What Phil is doing is an option. He wasn’t happy.
“Darts won’t die without Phil, but it misses him. I suppose snooker will miss out if I wasn’t to be there.
“But you cannot have the tail wagging the dog all the time. Phil is totally in control of what he does.”
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