RONNIE O’SULLIVAN claims he never switches off from “evil” snooker, joking: It’s a killer of a sport.
And the sport’s greatest ever player reckons he would have loved being a Premier League footballer because they always look like they are having FUN.
AlamyRonnie O’Sullivan has branded snooker an ‘evil’ sport[/caption]
The Rocket, 49, faces qualifier Pang Junxu on Saturday in a three-session round one clash at the World Snooker Championship.
Throughout his historic career, O’Sullivan has had a complicated history and relationship with the game, and his mental health battles are well-documented.
In a year in which he has an excellent chance of winning a record eighth Crucible crown, the Essex potter needs to keep his mind and temperament in check to negotiate this marathon event.
He managed to do that during his 10-4 first-round demolition of Ali Carter, in which he scored four centuries, but between sessions, the old anxiety demons reurned.
O’Sullivan, speaking to former Scottish footballer Ally McCoist on TNT Sports, said: “I really enjoy being out there playing, and I love doing a bit of TV work with the lads.
“It just breaks it up a bit. But during my last match, I felt a bit edgy. While I was playing it was fine.
“I went home and then I thought: ‘Oh, the anxiety is kicking off.’
“The next day, I felt a lot better and calmer. It’s a killer of a sport! A horrible sport. It’s evil!”
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O’Sullivan, looking to win a record-extending 80th match at the Crucible, is playing in this tournament having skipped five ranking events in 2025 on ‘medical grounds’.
The former world No.1, who snapped his cue in anger in January, said: “I can’t switch off, no.
“It’s with you all the time. Even when I’m at home practicing.
“If I’ve had a dodgy day, I go home and I’m sitting there and I’m like quiet, moody.
“Sort of like in my own head and the missus is looking at me, thinking, ‘come on, liven up’.
“I say snooker’s like chess with balls. It’s one of them sports.
“You see chess players. There’s a lot going on in their heads. But with footballers, you just have a laugh and a joke.
“I envy it. I wish I could have been a footballer. They look like you’re having a great time!”
World Snooker Championship 2025
WE are BACK at the Crucible for another thrilling fortnight of snooker action!
There will be a new champion this year after reigning champ Kyren Wilson crashed out in the first round after a stunning performance from Lei Peifan.
Ronnie O’Sullivan will take to the snooker table after missing recent tournaments, while world No 1 Judd Trump heads into the tournament as the favourite.
The likes of Shaun Murphy and John Higgins are also expected to be contenders.
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Inside Ronnie’s colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O’Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
Check out all our latest Ronnie O’Sullivan articles.
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