Ronnie O'Sullivan describes his appearance at the Players Championship as 'paid practice' after reaching quarter-finals
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Updated 20/02/2024 at 22:26 GMT
Ronnie O'Sullivan marked his return to the table with a convincing win over Zhou Yuelong to reach the quarter-finals of the Players Championship in Telford. He missed the Welsh Open due to 'stage fright' and despite being back in action, O'Sullivan says he is trying to 'get away' with playing as little as possible. The world No.1 will face the winner of Barry Hawkins against Mark Selby next.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan has described his appearance at the Players Championship as “paid practice” after reaching the quarter-finals.
He got past Zhou Yuelong 6-2 in the first round in Telford.
“For me, it’s just a day out really,” O’Sullivan told ITV following the match.
“I just enjoy getting away from home, booking in my Airbnb, doing my gym, doing my running and then just fit a few frames of snooker in just like a bit of paid practice really.”
It was the world No.1’s return to action since a late decision to pull out of the Welsh Open due to “stage fright”.
Speaking about being back at the baize, he said: “I’ve always been refreshed, yeah, that wasn’t the thing.
“I’m just trying to get away with playing as least as I can.
“I feel happier doing that and, you know, just treat it like a bit of match practice. Take what I can from the tour.
O’Sullivan’s emphatic season has seen him win four tournaments so far, including the UK Championship and Masters.
He can win an historic treble of Triple Crown events if he wins the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield in April.
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The Rocket admits being contracted to play at certain tour events helps him keep in form.
“Make sure I’m sharp for when I’m doing my other bits and pieces, like, this is all icing on the cake for me whatever I get off this tour.
“I’ve got my exhibitions, I’ve got my ambassador work and that’s my main thing and I just fit in a few tournaments around that.”
O’Sullivan received a big reception at the Telford International Centre - which is hosting a World Snooker Tour event for the first time in 14 years.
“I love the fans. That’s the most important thing to me.
“As long as the fans still want to see me play and still want to come and watch me and I still feel like I can give value for money, that’s the most important thing.”
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