RON: I THRIVE ON PRESSURE

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN is embracing the pressure of trying to become an eight-time Masters champion.

The Rocket (above) faces Barry Hawkins (below) in a re-run of the 2016 final in this afternoon’s quarter-final at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace.

World No.1 O’sullivan is the most successful player to pick up a cue with an incredible 40 ranking titles and 22 major Triple Crowns during his illustrious three-decade-plus career.

“I embrace the pressure,” said O’sullivan, 48. “I embrace all that stuff that comes with being a winner – it’s what you need to win. I’ve reinvented myself over the years and that’s what I’ve had to do.

“I don’t like the rowdiness of the Ally Pally crowd really, but you have to embrace it. It’s a part of it.

“Ninety-nine percent of the time the crowd want me to win. I’m used to that. A lot of people think you couldn’t play under those circumstances.

“But I’m used to it. I’ve managed to cope with it. I’ve realised it’s only a chosen few who have been able to dominate their sport and be the best, so I embrace it as a privilege.”

The Chigwell ace has proven that he can handle the intense pressure on the sport’s grandest stages.

He became the oldest UK champion when he won the prestigious title for an eighth time last month.

And snooker’s biggest star is bidding to repeat the feat this week.

He said: “I’ve had spells where I’ve felt like I can’t miss a ball – that’s lasted for three years before – it’s nice to have that feeling, that power.

“It’s nice to know that if you keep piling the pressure on your opponent, they crack.”