Ronnie O’Sullivan recently revealed his struggles with self-doubt following his defeat in the World Open final against Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in Yushan. O’Sullivan initially took a commanding 4-0 lead but was outperformed by Un-Nooh, who made a remarkable comeback with a 147-break and three consecutive centuries to secure the victory.
Despite defeating world No.1 Judd Trump in the semi-final, O’Sullivan had to settle for second place and the £175,000 prize. He has opted out of the Tour Championship in Manchester but is focusing on preparing for the upcoming Snooker World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield starting on April 18.
Reflecting on his recent performances, O’Sullivan admitted to struggling with his game and feeling uncertain about his abilities. He expressed his challenges in finding his form and regaining confidence on the table, especially after a dip in his play earlier in the season. Despite his doubts, O’Sullivan is contemplating participating in the World Championship, acknowledging his improved confidence in his game.
O’Sullivan commended Un-Nooh for his exceptional performance and acknowledged his own technical deficiencies that hindered his gameplay. The snooker legend, who last won a ranking title in January 2024, emphasized the need to elevate his skills to compete at a higher level. He recognized the limitations in his current gameplay and the necessity to enhance his potting abilities to apply pressure on opponents effectively.
While accepting defeat against Un-Nooh, O’Sullivan remains optimistic about his future in snooker, aiming to overcome his challenges and improve his game. He emphasized the importance of taking each day as it comes and maintaining a balanced perspective on his progress in the sport.