Ronnie O’Sullivan is not a typical snooker player; this is something we’ve known for some time. At moments, he has appeared immune to everything that has been thrown his way. His admission that he has turned to pilates to help him prepare for the opportunity to break one of the few remaining snooker records highlighted two points.
First, O’Sullivan does not practice in the same manner as other players. After all, it is difficult to imagine many of his colleagues on a Pilates mat. And second, at the age of 47, the stresses and strains associated with being the favorite to win The Crucible for the eighth time – and surpassing Stephen Hendry’s modern-era record of seven, which he tied last year – are insignificant compared to the one thing he cannot avoid: the trials and tribulations of old age.
“It gets harder as you get older,” O’Sullivan said before his first match against the Chinese prodigy Pang Junxu on Saturday morning in Sheffield. “It is difficult to stay mentally engaged. You get tired and it’s just tougher. It is harder. I’ll always care, but I have a healthy perspective on life, so it’s not the only thing that matters.
“I do a lot more pilates and similar exercises these days, just to stay in a good mood and concentrate on remaining peaceful about everything.
At this juncture in my life, there is no reason for me to get worked up about anything. I accept everything in stride.” And it is precisely this mentality that could make O’Sullivan a formidable opponent at this year’s tournament. The lessons of history have taught us that a calm and relaxed O’Sullivan is a deadly O’Sullivan.
He claims that it took him two weeks to return to normalcy after winning here in 2020 and 2022. “After winning in 2012, I was as fresh as a daisy and could have done it again,” he says. However, the Rocket insists he is as fit as he can be to unseat Hendry. This will be his 31st tournament appearance, surpassing Steve Davis’ record of 30.
Even with the admission that he is an “old man,” O’Sullivan is still the sport’s biggest draw, as evidenced by the delight on Michael van Gerwen’s face when the two met on Friday at the tournament’s media day. Saturday morning’s capacity crowd will further illustrate this point. However, even though everyone will be discussing title No. 8, O’Sullivan has no desire to be drawn into such discussions.
“I don’t like to put a number on it,” he states.
“Why seven? It could be either nine or ten. I could defy the odds and continue to linger here for some time. It’s pointless for me to continue saying that it would be nice to reach the next milestone, but I won’t place a number on it. It could be seven, it could be eight, or it could be nine… it is absurd to consider numbers.”
However, O’Sullivan is not the only story in town. This year’s tournament will continue with the recent match-fixing scandal prominently on the agenda. The hearing regarding the ten Chinese athletes suspended for alleged match-fixing offenses will occur in the middle of the tournament. O’Sullivan states, “Chinese snooker is still in a strong position, and I believe it can grow even stronger.” “It’s a shame, but it is what it is.”
If O’Sullivan creates more history on the baize, he can steer the sport away from negative headlines due to his magnetic draw. Even though he is nearly 50 years old, he is still as passionate as ever. “I’ve been mentally healthy my entire life; I’m a survivor,” he says. “At times, I may look down on you people, but there is a tenacity within you that is evident. It’s been demonstrated over the past three decades, so never rule me out, even when I’m down.” Surely no one would be so stupid as to do that.
