ROCKET’S DOUBTS AHEAD OF FINAL
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN produced a stunning comeback to book his place in today’s Scottish Open final.
But despite a fine victory the Rocket admitted cherry-picking events is finally catching up with him.
The six-time world champion, 45, believes his ability to dominate games is now on the decline.
Yesterday, O’Sullivan battled back from 4-1 down to beat Chinese potter Li Hang 6-4 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes.
But after securing a place in his second final of the season he said: “I’ve never doubted myself, only twice in my career.
“But I’ve started having thoughts that I’m not capable of dominating like I used to.
“I haven’t really played too many tournaments in the past five or six years and maybe that’s catching up with me now.
“I’ve just been scraping away and I’m not sure if that’s going to be good enough.
“I need to bring some fluency and composure to my game.”
World No.37 Hang dumped out World No.1 Judd Trump in the quarter-finals and started in fine fashion.
And breaks of 77, 73, 66, 62 and 51 saw Hang put the Rocket under huge pressure.
But O’Sullivan – winner of a record 37 ranking crowns – hit back with runs of 123, 93, 87, 84 and 59 to win five frames in a row and claim an impressive comeback victory that secured his place in today’s decider.
There is a £70,000 top prize for the winner.
“I don’t know how I’ve come out winning that one, I’m really shocked,” said O’Sullivan, who has been shortlisted for next Sunday’s Sports Personality of the Year award.
“I’m just looking forward to playing another final.
“It’s paid practice in a way.”