ROCKET TOOK OFF WITH RAY
Legend Reardon gave Ronnie title boost
RAY REARDON reckons that working with maverick sporting genius Ronnie O’Sullivan may have added 10 years to his life.
And the Rocket, basking in the glory of a sixth world title to equal the haul of Reardon and boyhood hero Steve Davis, credits his ex-coach with extending his career by a decade.
O’Sullivan beat Kyren Wilson 18-8 in the Betfred World Championship final at the Crucible on Sunday to set new records and make more history.
The 44-year-old became the oldest world champion in Sheffield since Welshman Reardon in 1978.
He also edged clear of Stephen Hendry with a record 37th ranking title, extended his own record tally of major wins to 20, and is now just one off the Scot’s mark of seven world titles.
The ultra-attacking O’Sullivan once sought help from Reardon to develop a better all-round game – and it paid off with a world title success in 2004.
The pair are still close and O’Sullivan says he will take the trophy down to Devon to show the 87-year-old – known as ‘Dracula’ in his playing days.
And Reardon has cheekily challenged the new world No2 to go for his ‘oldest Crucible champion’ record.
He said: “If we are talking about age, I am still the oldest winner at the Crucible, Ronnie hasn’t got that record – not yet, anyway!
“He richly deserves that sixth title and his achievement is far better than mine. The standard is much higher now.
“It was a fantastic experience working for a while with Ronnie as a coach and help him to that 2004 world title. I honestly think just being with him and seeing that talent and helping him probably put 10 years on my life.”
O’Sullivan said: “Raymondo is a class act and was a massive influence for me.
“Listen, I was a good player before but what he gave me was this longevity I have enjoyed. He gave me a safety game that I could fall back on. He’s too modest, he would have been a top player today – winners find a way.”
Meanwhile O’Sullivan could be facing yet more BBC Sports Personality awards woe this year.
O’Sullivan has suffered many snubs from the prestigious programme, most notably in 2013 when winning a fifth world title.
His latest feat would appear to demand inclusion in any 2020 shortlist but the BBC is in talks over the nature of the show given the cancellation of major events – and even whether to have it at all.