Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan wants to match Stephen Hendry’s world snooker title record before he turns 50
‘Rocket’ claims Mark Selby is man to beat in Sheffield while struggling Ding Junhui remains China’s best hope of a first crown
O’Sullivan has not reached the final in Sheffield since 2014, when English compatriot Selby won his first title, and is still seeking the elusive sixth crown that would put him level with Steve Davis and Ray Reardon in fourth place on the all-time list.
“I think Mark Selby is obviously (the favourite),” O’Sullivan was quoted as saying by Eurosport ahead of the start of the tournament on Saturday.
“He’s won it three times out of the last four. Great match player. If he gets it right every player in the tournament knows he’s a proper handful. And obviously Judd Trump as well. If he gets it right he’s a handful for anybody.”
At the age of 42, O’Sullivan would be the oldest champion since Ray Reardon lifted the world title at 45 in 1978 but says he is pacing himself as he targets Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world titles in the modern era.
“I’d like to win another two world titles in the next eight years before I get to 50,” he said. “I just try to enjoy my life now and to stay in good shape. I’m looking for longevity so I’m trying not to get sucked into every tournament like the other guys do.”
O’Sullivan, who has won five ranking titles this season including a record-equalling sixth UK Championship, is in a more upbeat mood about the world championship than he was in December, when he said in a Twitter question and answer session with snooker fans that the tournament was his “least fav event”.
