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Sometimes I'm so tired from the gym I struggle to play, says Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan is bidding to overcome John Higgins and move within one match of a historic seventh world title at the Crucible.

Ronnie O'Sullivan insists his love of keeping fit is through enjoyment rather than for longevity in the sport.Ā 

The 46-year-old is snooker's current world number one and will equal Stephen Hendry's record of seven world titles if he wins this year's tournament.

O'Sullivan - an avid runner - was asked if keeping fit was the secret to remaining at the top of his game, but the Rocket didn't necessarily agree to the comment and used Welshman Mark Williams as an example.

"I don't really know because that's all I've been doing for the last 20 years so I wouldn't be able to tell you what it's like unfit, really," said O'Sullivan.

"I probably overdo it a bit, there are some times when I come to tournaments I'm so tired that I don't want to actually play because I'm so tired, and then I get out of my chair and don't want to get out of my chair.

"My legs are knackered and I've just hit a fatigue spot so sometimes it can go against you. But you just look at Mark Williams, I don't think he knows what a gym is and look at him he's flying so I don't buy into that - 'you're fit, you're this, you're that' - you just do it if you like it.

"I enjoy the gym, there's no place I'd rather be other than a gym or a run - it's probably the most important thing in my life, so I just do it because I like it and I enjoy it with all the friends I have met through running.

"I like being in the gym because it's just a nice gym to hang out - I don't go for any specific goal. Some people like going to the bar, restaurants and whatever it is, but I just enjoy going to the gym. I do it for those reasons really, rather than my snooker."

O'Sullivan has used his profile to do things outside of the sport, including a TV series named Ronnie O'Sullivan's American Hustle and a cook book.
He admits he also has ambitions of entering the hospitality industry and believes those 'distractions' are the reasons why he still plays snooker.

"I'm not motivated by playing anymore. Those days are gone and like I said, as long as things stay in place I'll keep playing, but if they don't then I'll happily put my cue away tomorrow.

"For me, I'm able to play because of all the other stuff, it allows me to play and not worry. I couldn't put all my eggs in one basket and play snooker anymore. I know I've got a lot of distractions going, or my friends say that, but trust me if I didn't have them I wouldn't be playing.

"I quite like a distraction these days and I could've done more of it in my early days maybe."

READ MORE:Ā Ronnie O'Sullivan brushes off 'superstar' tag despite record win at the Crucible

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