Ronnie O'Sullivan continues winning form in Macau as The Rocket reveals what he needs ahead of Masters defence
Published 27/12/2024 at 17:07 GMT
Ronnie O'Sullivan has conceded he has not sampled enough competitions this season as he bids to claim his first title of the new campaign. The seven-time world champion is playing a series of challenge matches at a four-day festive exhibition event in the Chinese resort city of Macau ahead of his bid for a record-extending ninth Masters crown at the Alexandra Palace in London next month.
Watch O'Sullivan's best shots of 2024
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ronnie O'Sullivan continued his lucrative festive snooker campaign in Macau with wins over Marco Fu and Si Jiahui.
The seven-time world champion followed up his 5-4 win over Jack Lisowski on Christmas Day with a 5-3 success against Fu on Boxing Day at the Wynn Palace Hotel in the Chinese resort city.
He then completed a 5-2 win over former world semi-finalist Si on Friday ahead of Saturday matches with Crucible finalist Jak Jones and Stuart Bingham, the 2015 world champion.
O'Sullivan is set to defend his Masters title at London's Alexandra Palace next month with a tournament opener against fellow 'Class of '92' member John Higgins on Sunday, January 12.
"I need more games, and I am also eager to participate in different games," said O'Sullivan in Macau.
"The number of competitions in the past year was not too many, and I hope to improve my status through this event."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/12/21/4075051-82638673-2560-1440.jpg)
Watch the best of Trump in 2024
Video credit: TNT Sports
O'Sullivan's last title came in March when he lifted the World Masters of Snooker title with a 5-2 win over Luca Brecel in Riyadh, but has yet to reach a final this season.
"I think every season is good for me," said the world No. 3. "Yes, even if I haven't won a championship yet, it doesn't mean I have failed. Life is like that. Sometimes it goes well and sometimes it goes bad.
"I enjoy different adversities, and strive to become a better player."
- 'I’ll pick the best 10' – Which events will O'Sullivan focus on in 2025?
- O'Sullivan: Anyone can be like Davis, Higgins or me
- Year of the Gladiator: How Biles, Bellingham, Djokovic, Usyk and Cavendish conquered coliseum
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Judd Trump aims to inspire a fresh generation of aspiring talent in Hong Kong after being granted residency in the city along with O'Sullivan.
"Marco Fu is doing such a good job to inspire, and in the women’s game, [Ng] On Yee. I really hope that I can promote snooker to everyone in Hong Kong and make it as cool as possible, and get younger kids away from different sports and enjoy snooker," said Trump on RTHK.
"At the moment, I only spend time in the UK for tournaments and my priority is to be as happy as possible off the table. I’m much happier living in Hong Kong."
---
Watch and stream top snooker action, including The Masters, live on Eurosport and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement