Ronnie O’Sullivan enters today’s World Snooker Championship match against Pang Junxu amidst speculation of a new relationship, as he continues his quest for championship glory.
The 49-year-old secured his place in the second round earlier this week with a dominant victory over longtime rival Ali Carter. This win comes after O’Sullivan and former partner Laila Rouass ended their thirteen-year relationship last year.
O’Sullivan has openly discussed challenges related to self-assurance throughout the current season, leading him to withdraw from several tournaments prior to the World Championship. He recently shared with TNT Sports the profound impact of this internal struggle:
“I can’t switch off, no. It’s with you all the time. Even when I’m at home practising.”
He elaborated on his moods and how they affect those around him:
“If I’ve had a dodgy day, I go home and I’m sitting there and I’m like quiet, moody.”
Adding fuel to the relationship rumors, O’Sullivan alluded to having a new partner, referencing his “missus” expressing frustration with his fluctuating confidence. He quipped, “Sort of like in my own head and the missus is looking at me, thinking, ‘come on, liven up’.”
O’Sullivan drew a comparison between snooker and chess, observing:
- “Snooker’s like chess with balls. It’s one of them sports.”
He expressed envy for the more outwardly joyful atmosphere surrounding football, stating, “I wish I could have been a footballer. They look like you’re having a great time.”
Widely regarded as one of snooker’s all-time greats, O’Sullivan has frequently described the sport itself in harsh terms.
“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.”
However, he also acknowledged the intense pressure:
- “During my last match, I felt a bit edgy…The next day, I felt a lot better and calmer.”
Ultimately, O’Sullivan concluded that snooker is “a killer of a sport. A horrible sport. It’s evil.”
O’Sullivan will face Pang Junxu at approximately 2:30pm on Saturday. The veteran secured his progression to the second round with a decisive victory over Carter, winning by a score of 10-4. Pang also advanced after defeating compatriot Zhang Anda 10-7.
