Ronnie O'Sullivan reveals he's rediscovering his 'own method' of playing snooker as Crucible decision looms
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/04/image-74fa2946-29d7-46cb-b7fa-dd57662124d3-68-310-310.jpeg)
By Tom Cantoni
Updated 17/04/2025 at 19:48 GMT+1
React to this story
Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed he is trying to rediscover his "own method" of playing snooker, instead of "having somebody else's". In an interview with TNT Sports, the seven-time world champion explains what drives him to succeed. O'Sullivan has exclusively revealed he will play at the 2025 World Championship, which gets underway on Saturday, April 19, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
‘Trying to rediscover my own method’ - O’Sullivan opens up about snooker break
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ronnie O’Sullivan says he has been trying to rediscover his "own method" of playing snooker, having taken some time away from the sport.
The seven-time world champion last played professionally in January 2025, when he withdrew from the Championship League in Leicester ahead of his final Group Three match.
‘The Rocket’ has confirmed to TNT Sports that he will feature in the upcoming World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, which gets underway at the Crucible on Saturday, April 19, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Speculation surrounding his return has been building and the 49 year-old recently revealed he still has the "energy and hunger" to compete.
Now, in an interview with Ally McCoist on TNT Sports, O’Sullivan has given an insight into how he has been working on his game in recent weeks.
"I’ve taken some time out and I’ve just been working on trying to correct a few things and instead of having somebody else’s method of playing snooker, I’m trying to rediscover my own method of playing," O'Sullivan said.
"I’ve been at it for about six weeks now. I’m making little breakthroughs, but every time you make a breakthrough you go back… and at my age you think, 'Is it really worth it?'
"But I’m still fascinated by the game, which is good."
- When is draw for first round as O'Sullivan, Wilson and Trump chase Crucible glory?
- Zhao continues march towards Crucible with three-ton victory as Page fires 147
With seven Crucible victories under his belt, O’Sullivan shares the record for most World Championship titles with legend Stephen Hendry.
The last time he tasted success in Sheffield was in 2022, beating fellow Englishman Judd Trump 18–13 in the final.
Competing at this year’s tournament will give him the chance to go for an unprecedented eighth World Championship.
But accolades do not appear to motivate one of snooker's all-time greats, who admitted: "I’ve never really been that competitive for titles, for records."
When asked about what does drive him, he added: "Just the pursuit of playing the game to the highest possible standard.
"I’m in competition with myself. I’m always trying to get better and that’s always been the driving force.
"I’ve always thought if I get as good as I can get, then everything else kind of takes care of itself and what will be will be, you know? If you happen to win tournaments, great."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/04/10/4117992-83497493-2560-1440.jpg)
‘Just get the ball out and stand still’ – O’Sullivan on ‘overtrained’ refs in modern game
Video credit: TNT Sports
This year is not the first time O'Sullivan has taken some time away from snooker.
He famously announced a career break following his 2012 World Championship win, returning to defend his title in Sheffield in 2013.
Before revealing his decision to play in the 2025 edition, he said: "I'd love to be able to go there and play, I'd love to be able to have the confidence to be able to get my cue out and go and play snooker.
"I just need to give myself as much time as possible to see where I'm at with it, and see whether it's something I'm going to be able to do."
Watch and stream top snooker action, including the World Championship, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement