I don’t think I’m the best ever – Ronnie

RONNIE O’sullivan has dismissed the accolades that poured in after his Crucible victory on Monday night and insisted no amount of world titles will convince him he is the greatest.

Most observers agree O’sullivan’s 18-13 triumph over Judd Trump, which matched Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world crowns, brought an end to any lingering arguments over the identity of the sport’s all-time number one.

But the 46-year-old shrugged off any question of comparisons and maintained there are still many elements of the game in which his rivals remain far superior.

“I don’t consider myself the greatest ever at all,” said O’sullivan, who held off a valiant fightback by Trump having started the day with a seven-frame advantage. “There are a lot of players out there that I wish I had elements of their game in my game.

“I won’t consider myself the greatest if I win eight. I don’t want to be considered the greatest. I want to be known as someone who loves snooker and loves playing.”

O’sullivan cut a figure of contentment for most of the 17 days of the tournament, and believes he has now struck a balance which will enable him to continue to enjoy competing for a number of years.

It marks a significant change in attitude for the Londoner, who has frequently threatened to walk away from the game, and often expressed his dislike for the unique pressure-cooker atmosphere of the Crucible.

“It’s hard to resist coming here,” he admitted. “I’ve accepted that three weeks of my year I’ve got to expect to go through the mill, and that’s a small price to pay.

“I’m prepared to do that. It’s great to win this tournament, but life goes on tomorrow and I’ll enjoy a few weeks off before getting back to work.”

Striking out alone as the first eight-time champion in Crucible history may be of no concern to O’sullivan, but like his fellow ‘Class of 92’ members John Higgins and Mark Williams, he now sees no reason to step aside for a new generation of stars.

“I could probably play to my mid-fifties if I wanted to,” said O’sullivan.