RONNIE O’SULLIVAN claims he by no means switches off from “evil” snooker, joking: It’s a killer of a sport.
And the game’s best ever participant reckons he would have beloved being a Premier League footballer as a result of they at all times seem like they’re having FUN.
The Rocket, 49, faces qualifier Pang Junxu on Saturday in a three-session spherical one conflict on the World Snooker Championship.
All through his historic profession, O’Sullivan has had a sophisticated relationship with the sport, and his psychological well being battles are well-documented.
In a yr during which he has a great opportunity of profitable a report eighth Crucible crown, the Essex potter must preserve his thoughts and temperament in verify to barter this marathon occasion.
He managed to do this throughout his 10-4 first-round demolition of Ali Carter, during which he scored 4 centuries, however between classes, the previous anxiousness demons returned.
O’Sullivan, chatting with former Scottish footballer Ally McCoist on TNT Sports activities, stated: “I actually get pleasure from being on the market taking part in, and I like doing a little bit of TV work with the lads.
“It simply breaks it up a bit. However throughout my final match, I felt a bit edgy. Whereas I used to be taking part in it was fantastic.
“I went house after which I assumed: ‘Oh, the anxiousness is kicking off.’
“The subsequent day, I felt rather a lot higher and calmer. It’s a killer of a sport. A horrible sport. It’s evil.”
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O’Sullivan, trying to win a record-extending eightieth match on the Crucible, is taking part in on this match having skipped 5 rating occasions in 2025 on medical grounds.
The previous world No1, who snapped his cue in anger in January, stated: “I can’t change off, no.
“It’s with you on a regular basis. Even once I’m at house practising.
“If I’ve had a dodgy day, I am going house and I’m sitting there and I’m like quiet, moody.
“Form of like in my very own head and the missus is taking a look at me, pondering, ‘come on, enliven’.
“I say snooker’s like chess with balls. It’s one among them sports activities.
“You see chess gamers. There’s rather a lot happening of their heads. However with footballers, you simply have amusing and a joke.
“I envy it. I want I may have been a footballer. They seem like you’re having a good time.”
World Snooker Championship 2025

WE are BACK on the Crucible for one more thrilling fortnight of snooker motion!
There can be a brand new champion this yr after reigning champ Kyren Wilson crashed out within the first spherical after a shocking efficiency from Lei Peifan.
Ronnie O’Sullivan will take to the snooker desk after lacking current tournaments, whereas world No 1 Judd Trump heads into the match because the favorite.
The likes of Shaun Murphy and John Higgins are additionally anticipated to be contenders.
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