Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan has pinpointed the two most significant victories from his legendary career, offering a rare glimpse into the personal and psychological challenges that shaped his greatest moments at the table.
The Standout Sheffield Success
Despite a career filled with a record-breaking 23 Triple Crown titles and 41 ranking event wins, O'Sullivan singled out his 2012 World Championship victory as a defining highlight. The Rocket, now 49, has won the UK Championship and Masters eight times each and is a seven-time world champion, but this particular triumph in Sheffield holds a special place.
He revealed that the presence of his young son and close friends in the audience made the experience unforgettable. More importantly, O'Sullivan achieved a state of mental comfort and peak performance he never thought possible. "I never expected my game to get to that point where I felt comfortable in my mind. It was unbelievable," he told TNT Sports.
This victory was no fluke. In a 2020 Instagram Live session, O'Sullivan explained his unique preparation. After a disastrous 9-0 practice session defeat just days before the tournament, he left his cue under the table for over a week. This 'tapering off' strategy, he believes, was crucial. He arrived in Sheffield with renewed enthusiasm and hunger, resulting in what he considers "by far the best performance I put in as a professional snooker player."
Newport Glory and London Agony
The second victory O'Sullivan cherishes is his 2014 Welsh Open win, a tournament he frames together with the Masters title he won just a month earlier. This period represents a dramatic turnaround in his mental state.
He recounted a severe anxiety attack just before the Masters in London. "The anxiety got so bad that my stomach was hurting, it was like I’d been beaten up," O'Sullivan said. The pressure was so intense that he decided to withdraw, a decision that brought immediate relief. However, a friend later convinced him to play, leading to an astonishing change in form.
O'Sullivan proceeded to "destroy the field" at the Masters, defeating Mark Selby 10-4 in the final. He then carried this unstoppable form into the Welsh Open in Newport, cruising through the rounds and beating Ding Junhui 9-3 in the final. He sealed this victory with a stunning maximum 147 break in the last frame.
A Legacy Defined by Resilience
These two chosen victories reveal more than just snooker brilliance; they highlight O'Sullivan's ongoing battle with pressure and his incredible resilience. The 2012 win showcases his strategic mastery over his own preparation, while the 2014 double demonstrates his ability to overcome crippling anxiety to produce his very best snooker.
While many might have expected him to choose his 2013 World Championship win after a year away from the sport, O'Sullivan's personal favourites are deeply tied to his mental journey. "I think 2014 Welsh Open and the Masters and 2012, I can’t choose one, because there’s so many," he concluded. "But if I had to pick two, they are probably the two best times of my snooker playing career."
