Mark Allen Accuses Ronnie O'Sullivan of Using Praise as a Psychological Weapon in Snooker
Mark Allen has openly questioned the sincerity behind Ronnie O'Sullivan's frequent praise of fellow snooker players, suggesting it is a deliberate tactic to heap additional pressure on them. This claim emerged as Allen kicked off his Players Championship campaign with a solid 6-3 victory over Wu Yize in Telford on Tuesday.
O'Sullivan's High Praise for Rising Star Wu Yize
Wu Yize, a 22-year-old Chinese sensation, has been turning heads this season with impressive performances, including winning the International Championship and reaching the semi-finals of the Masters on his debut at Alexandra Palace. His rapid ascent has not gone unnoticed by snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan, who recently lauded him as a future world champion.
In comments to WST at the World Grand Prix, O'Sullivan expressed high expectations, stating, 'I think Wu Yize is going to be world number one, I'd give him three years, definitely going to be world champion very, very soon, phenomenal player.' He even compared Wu to snooker icons, noting, 'A lot of people liken him to Paul Hunter but I think he's more like a modern-day Steve Davis.' O'Sullivan highlighted Wu's dynamic style, cue power, and precision, adding that after practicing with him in Hong Kong, he was convinced of the young player's exceptional talent.
Allen's Skepticism and Historical Context
However, Mark Allen remains skeptical of O'Sullivan's motivations. He pointed out that the 50-year-old has a history of praising promising talents, only for them to struggle under the weight of expectations. 'I think Ronnie's very clever in the sense that if he sees a threat then he'll talk you up and then add more pressure,' Allen remarked. He cited examples like Stephen Maguire, whom O'Sullivan once predicted would become world number one, and Ding Junhui, whose career has had ups and downs.
Allen emphasized the need to protect young players like Wu from undue pressure, saying, 'I'd rather just let the kid play. He's still so young, don't put any more pressure on him than some are already doing.' He acknowledged Wu's potential but noted areas for improvement, such as rounding out his game to perform consistently even on off days.
O'Sullivan's Involvement and Allen's Assessment
O'Sullivan's engagement with Wu goes beyond mere praise; he has actively practiced with him and offered advice on refining his game. In November, O'Sullivan shared that he discussed strategic improvements with Wu, focusing on playing effectively even when not at peak performance.
Allen, while a fan of Wu's fast-scoring and entertaining style, observed that the young player can become vulnerable when his long shots aren't landing. 'But he's great for the game in the sense that when they are going in, he's one of the best in the sport to watch,' Allen added, highlighting the balance between brilliance and consistency needed at the top level.
Looking Ahead in the Players Championship
With his win over Wu Yize, Mark Allen advances to the quarter-finals in Telford, where he will face either Mark Selby or Jack Lisowski. As the tournament progresses, the psychological dynamics between players, including O'Sullivan's influential comments, continue to be a talking point in the snooker world.
