Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan has delivered a stark and honest self-assessment after his latest tournament exit, bluntly stating: "I'm just not a very good player anymore." The Rocket's struggle for results persists, with his confidence visibly shaken as he continues to search for his first ranking title since January 2024.
A Concerning Pattern of Early Exits
The 50-year-old snooker legend suffered a 5-3 defeat to China's Xiao Guodong in the last 16 of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong on Thursday. This loss extends O'Sullivan's ranking tournament drought and represents another early departure in his quest for competitive success. In his last four tournaments, the veteran has managed just two match victories, beating Long Zehuang at the German Masters and Joe O'Connor in Hong Kong before falling to Xiao.
O'Sullivan's Candid Admission About Declining Powers
Following his 5-3 victory over O'Connor, O'Sullivan addressed his concerning form directly, dismissing suggestions that his reduced playing schedule was to blame. Instead, he pointed to a fundamental decline in his abilities. "It's just my bad is a lot badder than it used to be, and my good is not as good," O'Sullivan told the South China Morning Post. "There was no rustiness, I felt relaxed ... I'm just not a very good player anymore."
The seven-time world champion elaborated on his mindset, revealing: "Deep down, I enjoy playing. I have to accept [I'm not as good as I was] and find a way to keep playing without it driving me crazy. I have to manage my frustrations, and hope the snooker gods will be kind and put me to rest when they decide the time is right."
The Rocket's Unique Ability to Affect Opponents
Despite his struggles, O'Sullivan believes he can still compete in close matches and occasionally secure victories because of his psychological impact on opponents. "I have this ability to make people play badly," he explained. "If I'm bad, they're waiting for me to play well, but sometimes I don't." This insight reveals how even in diminished form, the snooker great's reputation continues to influence matches.
Changing Priorities and Reduced Motivation
O'Sullivan has skipped several events this season, though the Grand Prix marked his eighth tournament appearance, maintaining a reasonable presence on the circuit. The veteran attributes his selective schedule to shifting life priorities, particularly his desire to spend more time with his children. "All the times I don't play, it's because they're on holiday and I get to see them," O'Sullivan shared. "I've had my career, I just want to keep playing and enjoy moments with them. I'm sure I'd get wild cards if I fell out of the top 32."
Xiao Guodong's Historic Victory Over His Idol
For Xiao Guodong, the 5-3 triumph represented his first victory over O'Sullivan in a full ranking event at the fifth attempt. This continues a troubling pattern for the Rocket, who has recently suffered defeats to opponents with previously poor records against him. The 36-year-old Chinese player admitted the emotional complexity of beating someone he considers an idol.
"For me it's hard to say something, I'm happy I win against Ronnie, but also he is my idol, I want him to get to finals, win championships, I want him to do well," Xiao told World Snooker Tour. "But this is sport, when I play anyone I don't want to lose. I feel sorry for Ronnie but we are still very good friends."
Xiao revealed he tried to emulate O'Sullivan's approach during their match: "The last two frames were going to be very important. I tried to do more like Ronnie, more relaxed. When I play him I learn from him, I try to relax for the game, don't think about the pressure, more peace, just pot every ball, just concentrate."
What Lies Ahead for the Snooker Legend?
Despite his recent difficulties, O'Sullivan maintains a world ranking of number 11 and sits seventh on the one-year list, thanks largely to his run to the Saudi Arabia Masters final earlier this season. His ranking position isn't yet a major concern, but will become problematic unless he can reverse his fortunes before the season concludes.
The snooker icon is expected to compete in several upcoming events, including the World Open in Yushan next month, potentially the Tour Championship in Manchester starting March 30, and ultimately the World Championship in April. These tournaments will provide crucial opportunities for O'Sullivan to either rediscover his form or further confirm his self-assessment about his declining abilities.
Meanwhile, Xiao Guodong progresses to face Si Jiahui in the World Grand Prix quarter-finals, with Chris Wakelin and Zhang Anda also securing spots in the last eight. The tournament continues as O'Sullivan contemplates his future in a sport where he has dominated for decades but now faces unprecedented challenges to his supremacy.
