Ronnie O'Sullivan sets out plans for new snooker season – 'It's about reinventing yourself'

ByEurosport

Published 15/05/2023 at 09:27 GMT

Ronnie O'Sullivan admits he is ready to continue his snooker evolution as he bids to claim his 40th ranking title in the sport since turning professional in 1992. The snooker GOAT says it is important to learn from younger players in the game after 31 years at the top. "I think it's about reinventing yourself sometimes, learning from the new players coming through," he said.

Ronnie O'Sullivan insists he will continue to evolve in the new snooker campaign as he bids to stay at the top of the sport.

The world No. 1 claimed two major trophies in the 2022/23 season with victories at the elite Hong Kong Masters and the Champion of Champions, but will aim to secure his 40th ranking title when the green baize action resumes.

He famously lifted his first with a 10-6 win over Stephen Hendry in the 1993 UK Championship final as the sport's youngest ranking tournament winner at the age of 17.

World Championship

'Every part of his game is really sharp' - White and McManus rave about O'Sullivan form

00:01:31

|

14 hours ago

After losing 13-10 to attacking Belgian player Luca Brecel in the World Championship quarter-finals last month, O'Sullivan feels it is important to learn from the new generation of players.

"I think I've learned ways to try and enjoy it," the seven-time world champion told Dermot O'Leary on BBC Radio 2 to promote his new book Unbreakable.

"It can't all be fun when you are doing it for a job, for a living, playing top quality players week in, week out.

"It's tough. Sometimes you've got to play tricks on your own mind to get through it.

"I think it's about reinventing yourself sometimes, learning from the new players coming through.

"And then obviously a change of perspective. When you're in your prime, you don't realise how easy it is.

"When you get older, you have to be a bit more on it. The margins are a lot less.

‘A special one!’ – O’Sullivan collects trophy after winning Hong Kong Masters

"Before I could maybe play six out of 10 and still win a tournament. Six out of 10 now and I'd be lucky to win one or two matches.

"To win tournaments, I've got to be at my best now whereas before I could be okay and still win.

"You change your perspective. I start to look at competing with people around my age and look at the rankings. I'm doing alright."

• 'I couldn't pot a ball' – O'Sullivan reveals person who left him struggling to play snooker
• 'It's all about ruining your opponent's life' – O'Sullivan on brutal mentality of snooker
• O'Sullivan reveals 'massive gaps' lost to drink and drugs early in career

O'Sullivan plans to fly to China to compete at the Shanghai Masters (September), Wuhan Open (October) and International Championship (November) in the first half of the season.

"I'm not saying I don't want to win as badly as I do, but if I don't win I'm much more okay with it," he said.

"At least I'm out enjoying my life and not just sitting at home watching TV and becoming stale.

"Snooker gives me a structure and a purpose in my life."

O’Sullivan names the three ‘massive influences’ on his game

- - -

Stream top snooker action live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

World Championship

'The anxiety has left' - O’Sullivan happy with his start at the Crucible

14 hours ago

World Championship

O'Sullivan delivered 'perfect' performance in Page win - McManus and White

Yesterday at 18:47

World Championship

'You have to dig deep' - O’Sullivan feels ability to handle pressure key to Crucible success

Yesterday at 16:00