Ronnie O’Sullivan conducting ‘experiment’ as he shares shock ambition and admits ‘I’ve already broken rules for snooker’
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has revealed he is conducting an “experiment” in his bid to make World Snooker Championship history.
O’Sullivan, 48, beat Jackson Page 10-1 in his tournament opener and is now looking to break his own record by becoming the competition’s oldest ever winner again.
The Rocket raised the bar two years ago when he lifted the trophy at 46 and is determined to shake things up even more as he claims he has “already broken the rules” by excelling at his current age.
The Wordsley star is now looking to push the boundaries even further to see if he can become the first ever snooker player to become world champion in his 50s.
O’Sullivan told the BBC after his first round win: “Played well, cued well, which is good. Jackson’s a really good player, I knew I had to be on my game, one of the hardest first-round draws I could have got. Pleased with my performance.
“I don’t lie when I say I’m not playing well, I know a lot of people think I am but I’m not a liar, I think most people know what by now.
“I say what I feel and I don’t care if I leave myself vulnerable. I have the confidence to back it up, I know the ability is there.
“It’s just about finding the right formula. That’s what I’m always trying to do. Just keep going. I’ve already broke the rules for snooker. I’m still going at 48. I’m just seeing what’s possible now.
“What is possible in this game? How long can you keep going for? Can I win a World Championship at 50? Who knows?
“I’m probably the only player that’s able to do that so let’s see, let’s have an experiment.
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Inside Ronnie's colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
Check out all our Ronnie O’Sullivan articles here.
“To do what I’ve done in this season in your whole career, over a 30-year career, to win what I’ve won this season, you’d have had a great career. I’ve been doing that for 30 years.
“I’ve had the greatest career of any other snooker player. How many people can say they’ve been the best or most successful at their job ever?
“I have to pat myself on the back because I don’t, I’m always pretty hard on myself.
“But the reality is no one’s achieved what I’ve achieved on the table statistically. I’m not a statistics guy, but I know you people are so you like to hear numbers.
“For me I just want to enjoy it. Keep playing. But what’s possible? I don’t know.
“If I’d had my head straight for 30 years I could have won 10 or 12 world titles, who knows. But it’s great to find out, let’s see what can happen.”
