ROCKET STILL AIMS TO MATCH HENDRY
SNOOKER: The Crucible
UPBEAT Ronnie O’sullivan believes he has five years left to chase down Stephen Hendry’s record seven world titles. The defending champion was sent packing 13-12 by man of the moment Anthony Mcgill in a Crucible cracker on Friday night.
O’sullivan holds the records for ranking titles (37),Triple Crown wins – World Championship, UK Championship and Masters (20), century breaks (1,107) and maximum 147s (15) during his illustrious career so far.
But Hendry (below) and his elusive Crucible record remains the one itch left to scratch for the Rocket.
“I have probably got another five years to equal Stephen,” admitted the world No.2.
“The way I look after myself, the way I play, I look around and there are some decent players, some very good players.
“I suppose I could get it right maybe one more time. It’s probably the only record I haven’t got so I won’t be too hard on myself.”
But O’sullivan knows he will have to keep his mind level to once again conquer the 17-day marathon.
The Rocket, who works with sports psychiatrist
Steve Peters, has lost all five finals he has played in since winning his sixth world title last season.
But he’s happy to be the game’s greatest attraction. He added:
“Can I still win here? Yeah, yeah. I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t think so. I have to stay in a good frame of mind and everyone on my side of the fence is happy. It is whether I want it bad or not. I just need to pitch up and play.
‘‘A bit like Roger Federer and Tiger Woods, probably not the best player on the circuit, probably don’t have the desire that they had when younger.
“It’s like Federer if he never won another match or Tiger Woods, just seeing them start is enough. I suppose I’ll carry that position in snooker until someone comes along and beats my records.’’
Meanwhile, four-time world champion John Higgins squandered the chance of a £55,000 bonus as he missed the 15th black for a maximum break in the second session of his match with Markwilliams.