RONNIE O’SULLIVAN is a serious contender to win a record-breaking Crucible crown subsequent spring because of his new cue, in response to shut pal Jimmy White.
The Rocket returns to the baize at 6am UK time on Sunday morning to play Allan Taylor within the first spherical of the Worldwide Championship in Nanjing, China.
Earlier this yr he made the semi-finals of the World Championship regardless of points along with his cue however he was crushed 17-7 with a session to spare by eventual champion Zhao Xintong.
Since then fellow professional Sunny Akani from Bangkok has made him an excellent new cue that he has totally embraced and he feels has made a substantial distinction.
The indicators had been there in Jeddah in August when he hit TWO 147s in the identical match – one thing that had solely occurred as soon as earlier than in skilled snooker.
Given he turns 50 on December 5, some might argue that he’s just too outdated to final the tempo and pressure of 17 days in Sheffield.
Maybe he has now missed out on the possibility to maneuver forward of the joint document of seven world titles he had shared with Stephen Hendry since 2022.
However White, 63, is assured that the game’s main determine has at the least yet another title run in him – as a result of he’s so match and trim.
The Whirlwind stated: “Ronnie O’Sullivan, the best way he performed within the World Championship, I knew as quickly as he performed anybody good he was going to get overwhelmed – as a result of he was struggling along with his cue.
“He went away all summer time, acquired used to the brand new cue, had two 147s in Saudi Arabia, narrowly shedding to Neil Robertson, who’s in all probability enjoying the perfect snooker on this planet in the meanwhile.
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“O’Sullivan’s again for positive. And he’ll be there for an extended, very long time.”
Requested if that meant, with new tools in his hand, O’Sullivan must be thought of a serious contender for the Crucible, White replied: “Huge time!
“Hear, what individuals neglect about O’Sullivan as nicely is he’s the fittest man on the tour, so he’ll take some beating.
“Individuals like him and Mark Williams are nonetheless successful tournaments as a result of they’re that good.”
Ding Junhui is the defending champion subsequent week and the Godfather of Chinese language snooker performs Bradford’s David ‘Wonderful’ Grace on Sunday.
White was chatting with SunSport on the launch of Pluto TV Snooker 900. To look at the channel, obtain the app in your iPhone or Android machine or go to
