ROCKET FEELS BOOSTED
SNOOKER
RELAXED Ronnie O’Sullivan believes this year’s UK Championship gives him a unique opportunity to land a record-extending eighth title in some peace and quiet.
The Rocket, 44, has won three of the last six editions of the prestigious event.
But in this pandemic year it will be played behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, starting on Monday, instead of York’s Barbican Centre. O’Sullivan, the six-time world champion, admitted: “It’s easier for me with no crowds because there’s no expectation.
“I think I thrive in calmer, less chaotic atmospheres where I can just go about my business.
“I just feel more relaxed around events where there are fewer people.
“I like travelling on the train, but don’t like travelling on the Central Line or the
Underground when it’s busy. I like doing the longer journeys where you can get a table, a cup of tea and can relax and get your iPad out, where you can chill into it.”
Current world champion O’Sullivan landed his record 37th ranking crown when he ended his seven-year wait for a sixth world title earlier this year.
And the Chigwell potter is entering more events this term to add to his trophy cabinet. “If you look at all of the tournaments, it’s the usual suspects winning them really,” he added.
“Every few years you may get an outsider and you go, ‘Wow, they fulfilled their dreams’ – but the best players rise to the top.
“I don’t practise as much now as I know I’ll play well one week, and people forget the bad performances.
“If I play 20 events, like the rest of the guys, I’m bound to play well in four or five of them.”