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Ronnie O’Sullivan, despite Masters win, feels he was ‘better at 12’ and is ‘struggling’ for confidence
Ronnie O’Sullivan, despite securing his eighth Masters title with a comeback victory over Ali Carter at Alexandra Palace, admitted that maintaining confidence in his abilities remains a constant challenge. The Rocket, facing a three-frame deficit, ultimately triumphed with a 10-7 scoreline.
This season, O’Sullivan has already claimed victories in both Triple Crown events, but to complete the set, he now aims for a record eighth World Championship. Surprisingly, despite his recent success, the 48-year-old expressed the belief that he was a superior player during his teenage years.
Reflecting on his younger self, O’Sullivan told Eurosport that between the ages of 12 and 16, he considered himself even better than he is now. He emphasized his technical prowess and greater consistency during that period. In contrast, he acknowledged fluctuations in his performance in recent times, noting improvements since 2001. O’Sullivan explained that he has had to work on the technical aspects to maintain tightness in his game, experiencing both exceptional and challenging phases throughout months and years.
“I acknowledge that’s the current state of the game for me, and I simply try to navigate through it. I hope things improve at some point, but my confidence in the game is quite a struggle at the moment.”
This season has been remarkable for O’Sullivan, and he added another milestone by becoming the oldest player to win the Masters, while still holding the record as the youngest winner. Last month, he achieved a similar feat when he won the UK Championship.
Eurosport pundit Alan McManus praised O’Sullivan extensively after his victory, stating that he has the ability to “do the impossible.” McManus emphasized that talent lies in accomplishing what others find challenging, and O’Sullivan, being a genius, finds ways to achieve the extraordinary. McManus acknowledged the initial challenge posed by Ali Carter but highlighted O’Sullivan’s resilience and skill in responding to every shot during the match. Despite recognizing that O’Sullivan is the class of the field and the best there’s ever been, McManus pointed out that when faced with challenges, O’Sullivan consistently delivers, leaving opponents like Ali Carter in a difficult position over the past few decades.
