Ronnie O'Sullivan says Judd Trump is 'favourite' for 2024 World Snooker Championship - ‘Sheffield is a different animal'
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Updated 22/01/2024 at 10:53 GMT
Ronnie O'Sullivan was in a modest mood when reflecting in more detail on his World Grand Prix success. The world No. 1 overcame Judd Trump 10-7 in Sunday's final to continue his incredible recent form, adding another major title to the UK Championship and Masters titles he won in December and early January respectively. But looking ahead to the World Championship, he says Trump is the favourite.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan says Judd Trump is the man to beat at this year’s World Snooker Championship, despite picking up a third major title in 50 days at the World Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Rocket recovered from 4-0 down to claim a 10-7 win over Trump in the final in Leicester.
He will be bidding for a record eighth world title at the Crucible in a few months, but doesn't think he is the favourite to lift the trophy.
“Sheffield is a different animal and is three sessions,” he said
.
“When you're playing different opponents, you can get geed up easier. You put that match behind you and reset, but when you're facing the same opponent over three or four sessions, you don't really get that reset feeling.
“To win in Sheffield, usually apart from 2020 [when O’Sullivan beat Kyren Wilson 18-8 in the final], being steady gets the job done.
“If I can find a bit of steadiness, then I've got a chance.
"Judd is a warrior and for me he is favourite for Sheffield, but I have three months to try to get some consistency in my game. It will be nice to go there and enjoy it."
Speaking to ITV after his win over Trump, the 48-year-old feels he is currently playing is best snooker and feels the most youthful at the table.
“When I play snooker, I feel young in my head,” he said. “
"I know age is a number - 48 - but when I start playing, I feel like I knock about 20 years off.
“I feel quite vibrant. As long as I still feel young at the table, I don't think age is really an issue. With experience, it’s helping me. I’ve got a lot of experience now, won a lot of tournaments and been around a while.
“I’ve learned a lot about the game. I’m probably a better all-round player than I’ve ever been.”
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