Ronnie O'Sullivan says he was 'better at 12' and is 'struggling' for confidence despite Masters win
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Published 15/01/2024 at 12:02 GMT
Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed that he still struggles with confidence in his own ability despite claiming a record eighth Masters title at Alexandra Palace on Sunday. The Rocket had to recover from three frames behind to overcome Ali Carter to achieve the latest accolade in his illustrious career. Speaking to Eurosport after the match, O'Sullivan said he felt he was a better player when younger.
‘I don’t know how I’ve won this tournament’ - O’Sullivan delighted to win Masters for eighth time
Ronnie O'Sullivan has said it is still a "struggle" to remain confident in his ability despite clinching a record-extending eighth Masters title at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.
The Rocket was tested by Ali Carter but recovered from three frames down to claim a comeback 10-7 victory.
O'Sullivan has won both Triple Crown events this season, with the 48-year-old now needing a record eighth World Championship to complete the set.
Despite his latest success, O'Sullivan revealed that he believes he was a better player during his teenage years.
"When I was 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, I thought I was even better than I am now, to be honest," he told Eurosport.
"Technically I was. Technically, I felt I was much better [with] more consistency. These days, I'm more in and out and it's got better since 2001.
"I've had to work on the technical side just to keep things tight, as tight as I can. I have some good spells, good months, good years sometimes, but then I have some awful months and awful years.
"I just accept that's how it is and I just try and play my way through it. Hopefully it comes good at some point but it's quite a struggle the game for me at the moment, confidence-wise."
It has been a memorable season for O'Sullivan so far and he made more history by becoming the oldest player to win the Masters, while still holding the record for being the youngest winner too.
It was a similar story for him only last month when he achieved the same feat when he won the UK Championship.
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‘Quite extraordinary’ - O’Sullivan wraps up eighth Masters title with win over Carter in final
Eurosport pundit Alan McManus was full of praise for O'Sullivan following his victory and said he is capable of “doing the impossible”.
“Doing what others find difficult is talent,” McManus said.
“The talented find ways of doing the impossible, and that’s the genius of Ronnie O’Sullivan.”
He added: “I actually thought that Ali Carter was going to get this thing done, but he [O'Sullivan] came out and doubled down on pretty much every shot he played this evening, and that was the difference.
“We know he’s the class of the field, he’s the best there’s ever been. But when he knuckled down and the question was asked by Ali Carter, he came up with the goods. That’s what he does, unfortunately for Ali Carter and the rest over the last 20, 30 years.”
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