Ronnie O'Sullivan insists he's 'not the greatest' despite record seventh World Championship
- Planet Sport writer
- 3 May 2022
Ronnie O'Sullivan won a record-equalling seventh World Championship title over the weekend, but the 46-year-old insists he's not the greatest to ever play the sport.
Ronnie O'Sullivan managed to see off Judd Trump in the Snooker World Championship final over the weekend, with a 18-13 win enough to earn him a seventh title.
In doing so, O'Sullivan equalled Stephen Hendry's record and strengthened his argument when it comes to discussing the greatest of all time.
But while O'Sullivan's win saw praise pour in, he insisted that no number of titles will ever convince himself that he's the greatest.
👏 | Ronnie O'Sullivan is now the oldest player to win the Snooker World Championship, it is also 21 years since he won his first. #SnookerWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/JsWu2IDrZF
— Planet Sport (@PlanetSportcom) May 3, 2022
"I don't consider myself the greatest ever at all," said O'Sullivan.
"There are a lot of players out there that I wish I had elements of their game in my game.
"I won't consider myself the greatest if I win eight. I don't want to be considered the greatest. I want to be known as someone who loves snooker and loves playing."
O'Sullivan has frequently talked about his wavering motivation to continue competing at the highest level, but he cut a figure of contentment during his time at the Crucible over the last three weeks.
At 46, O'Sullivan still has plenty left to offer the sport and he suggested that he'll continue to feature in world championship tournaments until his fifties.
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN. SEVEN TIMES.#ilovesnooker | @Betfred pic.twitter.com/GAAXAkUaxJ
— World Snooker Tour (@WeAreWST) May 2, 2022
"It's hard to resist coming here," admitted O'Sullivan. "I've accepted that three weeks of my year I've got to expect to go through the mill, and that's a small price to pay.
"I'm prepared to do that. It's great to win this tournament, but life goes on tomorrow and I'll enjoy a few weeks off before getting back to work."
"I could probably play to my mid-fifties if I wanted to," said O'Sullivan. "Tournaments like this will probably be a bit of a strain at that age, but I could probably pitch up and win one or two matches.
"All the other tournaments, why not? I enjoy being on the circuit, I enjoy being on the road. I don't need the money. If I'm enjoying it and having fun with it, I'll play as long as I want to play."
