Ronnie O’Sullivan recently discussed the doubts he has been facing following his defeat in the World Open final on Sunday. The seven-time world champion was defeated 10-7 by Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in Yushan.
O’Sullivan initially took a commanding 4-0 lead against his Thai opponent, seeming poised to secure his 42nd ranking title. However, Un-Nooh staged a remarkable comeback, including a 147-break and three consecutive centuries, to clinch the most significant victory of his career.
Despite his earlier victory over world No.1 Judd Trump in the semi-final, the 40-year-old O’Sullivan missed out on the £175,000 prize, prompting him to evaluate his performance in China. He has opted out of the Tour Championship in Manchester but is setting his sights on the upcoming Snooker World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield starting on April 18.
Expressing his perspective, O’Sullivan revealed, “I can only focus on one day at a time with my career. I’ve been struggling to find my form, but I am working hard to improve my game. Although I had a rough patch earlier this year, I am gradually regaining my confidence.”
Acknowledging his opponent’s strong performance, O’Sullivan admitted to technical challenges in his own game. Despite not winning a ranking title since January 2024, he remains determined to elevate his performance and compete at a higher level.
Reflecting on the recent match, O’Sullivan remarked, “Thepchaiya played exceptionally well and deserved the win. I need to enhance my game to match that level of play. I am continuously working on my skills to overcome the limitations I am currently facing.”
O’Sullivan emphasized the need for continuous improvement and resilience in the face of challenges, highlighting his commitment to staying focused and positive in his journey towards further success in the sport.