Ronnie O’Sullivan is considered the favorite to win an eighth World Championship title by snooker legend Jimmy White due to his ability to excel in crucial moments of matches. With a victory at the Crucible, O’Sullivan could surpass Stephen Hendry for the most world titles in the modern era. He would also join a prestigious group of players, including Hendry, Steve Davis, and Mark Williams, by winning all three Triple Crown events in the same season. Despite facing tough competition, White believes that O’Sullivan is the man to beat.
White praised O’Sullivan’s form and ability to elevate his game when needed, citing his performances against Ali Carter at the Masters and Ding Junhui at the UK Championship as examples of his dominance. White highlighted O’Sullivan’s well-rounded skills, which include a strong positional game in addition to his potting abilities. O’Sullivan’s winning mindset and ability to seize key frames when necessary set him apart from his competitors, making him a strong contender for the World Championship title.
Despite O’Sullivan’s strengths, there are concerns about his ability to maintain his performance under pressure. Alan McManus noted instances where O’Sullivan’s game faltered, such as against Luca Brecel in the previous year’s World Championship and Mark Williams in the recent Tour Championship final. McManus emphasized the importance of other players stepping up and capitalizing on O’Sullivan’s vulnerabilities in order to defeat him. While O’Sullivan is the favorite, his past struggles under pressure suggest that he is not invincible.
O’Sullivan’s potential to break records and make history at the World Championship adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming tournament. With his impressive track record and consistent success in major events, O’Sullivan is well positioned to add another title to his collection. However, the competitive nature of snooker and the unpredictable dynamics of match play mean that nothing is guaranteed. The World Championship promises to be an exciting and unpredictable competition, with O’Sullivan at the center of attention as he aims for another title.
The praise for O’Sullivan’s game comes from his peers, who recognize his talent and expertise on the snooker table. O’Sullivan’s ability to control matches and dominate opponents when necessary is a testament to his skill and experience in the sport. While there are challenges and obstacles to overcome, O’Sullivan’s status as a favorite for the World Championship reflects his standing as one of snooker’s greatest players. The stage is set for an epic battle at the Crucible, where O’Sullivan will look to cement his legacy with another title.
