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Snooker World Championship: O’Sullivan Hints at Possible Withdrawal, Cites ‘Lost Bottle’
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has cast doubt over his participation in the upcoming World Snooker Championship, suggesting he may withdraw before his first-round match on Tuesday. The snooker icon candidly admitted to feeling unnerved, stating, “I’ve lost my bottle.”
O’Sullivan’s Crucible Appearance in Question
Despite being scheduled to make his 33rd consecutive appearance at the Crucible Theatre, Ronnie O’Sullivan revealed his unease upon arriving in Sheffield for Friday’s media day, describing his mood as ‘flat’. His participation was only solidified after practice sessions with fellow player Barry Hawkins earlier in the week, who encouraged him to compete.
‘Meltdown’ Concerns and Nerves
The 49-year-old, known as ‘The Rocket’, expressed uncertainty about his mental state leading up to the tournament. “It’s Friday now, I’m not playing until Tuesday, so if I have a meltdown, who knows? I might still bloody withdraw,” he confessed. He further elaborated on his anxieties, stating, “This feels like I’ve lost my nerve, maybe lost my bottle.”
Struggles with Pressure and Scrutiny
O’Sullivan highlighted the pressure he feels, even in exhibition settings. “Even when I went to Saudi Arabia to do the exhibitions last week, I felt quite nervous exposing myself to the scrutiny and judgement. That felt hard enough, let alone coming here to try and play,” he explained.
Low Expectations and Aim for Competitiveness
Reflecting on his current mindset, O’Sullivan stated his mere presence at the tournament felt like an achievement. “For me, just getting out there to play will be a victory in itself. I feel a bit flat, just going through the motions. I feel like a bit of an old man clinging on.” While acknowledging his past triumph in 2013 after a season hiatus, and recent 147 breaks in Saudi Arabia, he tempered expectations for an eighth world title.
“Could I win the whole thing? I doubt it,” he admitted. “I’d be very happy to just give Ali [Carter] a game. I have to be realistic… I don’t have any expectations. I’d just like to not feel all at sea out there. If I can just play and at least feel semi-competitive, I’d be happy with that.”
Hawkins’ Influence and Practice Session
O’Sullivan’s decision to compete in the World Championship was only finalized on Wednesday after practicing with Barry Hawkins, whom he defeated in the 2013 final. He revealed the positive impact of Hawkins’ encouragement after a particularly difficult practice session. “Barry came down and had a talk to me and said, “It’s not as bad as you maybe think”. He kind of convinced me that maybe I was being a bit harsh on myself, so I was like “OK”.”
Support from Steve Peters
Seeking further support, O’Sullivan consulted with psychiatrist Steve Peters. “I held on to that and spoke to (psychiatrist) Steve Peters and he said, “Just try and focus on this tournament and I’ll be there for you”.”
Rivalry with Ali Carter
O’Sullivan’s opening match is against Ali Carter, a player with whom he has a history of on-table clashes and verbal exchanges. Past incidents include a shoulder barge at the Crucible in 2018 and accusations from Carter during last year’s Masters final. Despite the animosity, O’Sullivan downplayed the significance of their past disagreements. “It was probably just heat of the moment stuff at the time,” O’Sullivan said regarding their feud. “I wished I wouldn’t have said what I said but I can’t take it back. Neither of us think much about it.”
Higgins’ Participation in Doubt Due to Family Emergency
In related news, the participation of four-time world champion John Higgins is also uncertain. Higgins missed Thursday night’s Champions’ Dinner and Friday’s media day due to a family emergency – his wife’s father suffering a heart attack. Higgins is scheduled to play qualifier Joe O’Connor on Monday.