Ronnie O’Sullivan recently shared his struggles with self-doubt following his defeat in the World Open final on Sunday. The seven-time world champion was bested by Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in Yushan, losing 10-7 despite initially taking a 4-0 lead.
O’Sullivan, who had previously triumphed over world No.1 Judd Trump in the semi-finals, missed out on the £175,000 prize as Un-Nooh staged a remarkable comeback, including a 147-break and three consecutive centuries.
Reflecting on his performance, O’Sullivan expressed disappointment in his recent form in China and announced his decision to skip the Tour Championship in Manchester. He is now setting his sights on the upcoming Snooker World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield, starting on April 18.
The seasoned player admitted to struggling with his game, stating, “I’ve not been playing for a reason. It’s just because I haven’t had a game good enough to compete.” Despite facing uncertainties about his readiness for the World Championship, O’Sullivan acknowledged his improved confidence in his abilities compared to a few weeks ago.
Congratulating his opponent for a well-deserved win, O’Sullivan candidly discussed his technical challenges and acknowledged his opponent’s superior performance. Although he has not secured a ranking title since January 2024, O’Sullivan remains optimistic about his future in the sport, aiming to enhance his game and regain his competitive edge.
The snooker icon emphasized the need to focus on gradual improvement, stating, “I’m just taking each day, each week as it comes. I’m not getting too excited or getting too down, really.” Despite his recent setbacks, O’Sullivan remains determined to overcome his obstacles and elevate his game to new heights.