Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan is being strongly tipped to secure a record-breaking eighth World Championship title next spring, according to his close friend and fellow icon, Jimmy “The Whirlwind” White. White credits two factors for O’Sullivan’s resurgence: a super new cue and the fact that “The Rocket” remains the fittest player on the tour.
O’Sullivan’s persistent issues with his equipment were highly visible earlier this year when he reached the World Championship semi-finals but was ultimately crushed 17-7 by eventual champion Zhao Xintong. White believes those struggles are now over.
The Problem Identified: White stated, “Ronnie O’Sullivan, the way he played in the World Championship, I knew as soon as he played anyone good he was going to get beaten – because he was struggling with his cue.”
The Solution: Since the Crucible, O’Sullivan has embraced a new cue crafted by fellow professional Sunny Akani from Bangkok. The difference has been immediate and dramatic.
Evidence of Resurgence: The positive signs were undeniable in August when O’Sullivan hit TWO 147s in the same match in Jeddah—a feat that had only been achieved once before in professional snooker history. White saw this as confirmation: “He went away all summer, got used to the new cue… O’Sullivan’s back for sure. And he’ll be there for a long, long time.”
Despite turning 50 on December 5, O’Sullivan is showing no signs of slowing down. While some may question his ability to handle the grueling pace of the 17-day World Championship, White dismisses the age factor, emphasizing O’Sullivan’s unparalleled conditioning.
The Major Contender: Asked if the new equipment made O’Sullivan a major contender for the Crucible, White emphatically replied, “Big time!“
The Fitness Edge: White stressed, “Listen, what people forget about O’Sullivan as well is he’s the fittest guy on the tour, so he will take some beating.”
A Long Reign: He pointed to O’Sullivan and Mark Williams as proof that fitness and class combine to beat youth and noted they are “still winning tournaments because they’re that good.”
The renewed confidence in his equipment and his legendary physical conditioning suggest O’Sullivan is ready to move ahead of the joint record of seven World Titles he currently shares with Stephen Hendry.
O’Sullivan is set to return to competitive action on Sunday morning, UK time, to play Allan Taylor in the first round of the International Championship in Nanjing, China.