Pocket Rocket
On the eve of the World Snooker Championships, we caught up with the maverick British snooker ace, ‘Rocket’ Ronnie O’Sullivan.
The Rocket’, ‘The Essex Exocet’, call him what you will, Ronnie O’Sullivan is considered by many to be one of the most naturallytalented players in the history of snooker. Turning professional at the age of 16, Ronnie won his first 38 matches as a professional on his way to the 1992 World Championship - a record that still stands.
When in top form, he has produced displays that lead many to hail him has the greatest player of all time. In the 2007 Masters final O’Sullivan destoyed Ding Junhui 10-3. During the match he was noted for his good sportsmanship by Steve Davis for comforting Ding after the 12th frame, who had been the victim of an overly partisan member of the crowd (who was later ejected). O’Sullivan was winning 9-3 at the time. A controversial figure, 2-time world champ O’Sullivan goes into April’s World Championships in scintillating form and is a deserved bookies’ favourite.
Ronnie, what are your thoughts leading up to the World Snooker Championship?
This is the big one. The other tournaments are special too, especially playing at Wembley, but The Crucible is a magical place for snooker. The atmosphere is unique and it’s always a special place to play. But yeah, following the Masters my sights are now firmly set on winning the World Championship when we arrive at the Crucible in April.
How do you gear up for the Big One?
You have to be comfortable with your form. I’m a lot happier with my game this year. When I get to Sheffield, hopefully I’ll have something in the tank to see me through.
You first won the World Snooker Championship in 2001, then a two-year wait until 2004. It’s been two years since you last lifted the trophy, so do you feel 2007 could be your hat-trick year?
I hope so. But, you know, there’s a lot more that I still need to do to improve my game. I want to feel like I’m playing well - winning alone is not always enough. If I play well and win I’ll be so proud to lift the trophy.
You’ve recently signed up with 888.com, joining a full roster of snooker stars.
Yeah, coming late to the party! I’m chuffed to be joining up with 888.com. They have given snooker a great shot in the arm in the last year and it’s obvious they are serious about the sport.
Snooker’s global appeal is growing all the time, thanks partly due to success from international rising stars such as Ding Junhui and Neil Robertson. What do you think the future of the game has in store?
Snooker is in a great place right now. Sponsors have come on board and their commitment and support is fundamental to the continued growth of snooker. Players like Ding can only add to this - he’s an amazing talent and a great kid. But those kinds of players suit me – they like to play the game aggressively and so do I.
Can you see yourself at the top level for a little while longer?
If I’m playing well, I’ll carry on as long as possible. But I know I can look back at my career and say I gave it the best I could.
You’re constantly described as snooker’s greatest ever player. Is that a fair comment?
I’m not yet up there with Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry, I haven’t won the number of titles they have, but when I’m on top of my game I’m definitely capable of beating the best.
Do you feel you are unfairly scrutinized by the media?
Media attention is good for the sport and I’m always happy to talk about snooker.
Many snooker players play poker in their spare time. Are you one of them?
Travelling for tournaments makes it difficult to play regular games with friends so I try to play online when I can. But I know there are loads of snooker players who are incredible poker players. Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry are massive poker fans. Just look at Matthew Stevens, winning $500,000 a couple of years ago in the Pacific Poker Open.
Do you think there are any similarities between poker and snooker?
You play both on green tables! No seriously, of course they have things in common – staying calm under pressure; putting on a poker face to your opponent; controlling your nerves; knowing when to play safely and when to attack, and ultimately enjoying yourselves.
If you could play poker against anyone – past or present – who would it be and why? Without doubt, Jack Nicholson. The greatest living actor of all time. No contest!
How did you learn to play poker?
I learnt at a celebrity poker den and won 25 grand in my first ever game! But as I said, most of my games are with a few mates, when I have the time.
What’s your playing style?
Aggressive and loose – no surprise really.
Is it possible to meet you in tournaments online in the future? If so, will Ronnie be your nickname?
Not much time at the moment but you might see me on the online tables. Nickname? ‘Rocket’. Can you imagine any other nickname?!
1 comment
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Posted by JoeCollins – 17 Sep 2007, 4:00 PM
Great mind on this guy