Ronnie O’Sullivan is in good form
After Ronnie O’Sullivan’s sensational maximum break in the World Open at Glasgow against Mark King this week, the 34-year-old will be looking to add another title to his name. O’Sullivan appears to be the form man in the tournament, though there are still
a number of top quality players left that could take the title. O’Sullivan is the odds on favourite with the bookmakers.
O’Sullivan has had an illustrious career, but has often been seen as a controversial figure in snooker. His conduct and attitude around the table have often been criticised by the media and snooker professionals.
Even during his 147 maximum this week he caused some controversy by asking if there was prize money for a maximum break and reluctantly potting the black after the referee Jan Verhaas persuaded the player to finish the break.
O’Sullivan later said, “I wasn’t going to pot the black to be honest with you because I asked the ref and was told there was no break prize for a 147. Jan talked me into it. My whole thing was I was going to make a 140 and leave the black. What’s the point
of making a 147 if they're only going to give you four grand for it? I have had loads of 147s so I don’t really get excited by it.”
He also criticised Barry Hearn who is on the snooker board. “I’m surprised. They’re getting stingier. I thought Barry Hearn was putting more money into the game not taking it out.” This attitude has brought O’Sullivan admiration and condemnation in the world
of snooker.
O’Sullivan has always had a bitter sweet approach to snooker. At times he can appear disinterested and fed up. There have been numerous occasions when O’Sullivan has conceded frames or not shown up to tournaments for no reason.
However, he is also considered a snooker genius, capable of switching his cue between his left and right hand. His break building and speed around the table gave him the nickname “the Rocket”.
He has also made 10 147s in his career, which is unmatched. Currently, O’Sullivan has fallen to 6th in the world rankings, but much of this is due to his decision not to attend some of the ranking tournaments.
Despite many experts stating that O’Sullivan does not always live up to his reputation, the Essex player has had an impressive career so far. He has been the World number one on five separate occasions. His career money to date is approximately £6 million
and he is only behind Stephen Hendry in prize money earned. He has won 22 ranking tournaments, and only Stephen Hendry has achieved more centuries in competitive matches. O’Sullivan is also a three-time World Champion and has won the UK Championship four times.
However it is the controversy that makes him such a popular player. In 1996 he was fined and given a suspended sentence for assaulting a media official. He was also stripped of the Irish Masters Title after cannabis was found in his system.
After his 147 this week, it appears that Ronnie O’Sullivan is in the mood to play snooker and this will have the other players on the circuit worried. If he is at his best he is unplayable and even the other favourites will have difficulty matching O’Sullivan’s
brilliance. Two of the greatest players to have played the game, Steve Davis and rival Steven Hendry, have described O’Sullivan as “the most naturally talented player in the history of the game.” At times, O’Sullivan’s greatest weakness can be his temperament.
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