Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has opened up about the intense pressure he faces at the Crucible, the iconic venue for the World Snooker Championship. In an Amazon Prime documentary released last November, viewers were given a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes struggles O’Sullivan endures when he takes to the stage in Sheffield. The documentary, filmed in 2022, captured the stage fright O’Sullivan experiences, with the six-time world champion revealing: “I feel ill with pressure, it’s f***king horrible, I hate it.” The Crucible’s unique atmosphere and the high stakes involved take a toll on even the greatest players, making it a true test of mental strength and resilience. “You need that sort of fear or whatever it is to get you in fight mode,” O’Sullivan said. Despite his success at the Crucible, O’Sullivan admits that he still gets nervous before matches.“At first, I didn’t like it,” O’Sullivan said of watching himself back on TV in the documentary. “I was like: ‘Bloody hell, why am I doing this? Why would you put yourself through it?’ “So it affected me a little bit afterwards. Then it made me question it. “But then I thought, well I got through it. I accept I have to go through that.”
“In Sheffield, I have played great, played poorly, won it playing great, won it playing poorly. “Every time I experience it, it grabs you at some point. “I’ll go there and there will always be something – pressure, stress, anxiety. “It’s just so long, 17 days, you’re playing top-class people. “At the Crucible, you can go five or six frames [in front] but because of the atmosphere, it can draw the opponent back in. “You’re never really safe with a lead really. You know your opponent will catch fire and come back at you. “So, it doesn’t matter really, what sort of shape you are in going into Sheffield. “If you win, you’ll have to go through some sort of grind, some sort of rollercoaster.” O’Sullivan is set to begin his quest for a record-breaking eighth World Championship title on Wednesday, when he faces Mark Williams’s protégé Jackson Page in a best-of-19-frames clash. The Rocket, as O’Sullivan is nicknamed, has been a controversial figure throughout his career, but his impact on snooker has been undeniable. His lightning breaks, quick-witted comments, and battles with officials have made him one of the most recognizable and entertaining players in the sport’s history. Despite his fame and fortune, O’Sullivan remains a down-to-earth character, renowned for his love of canal boats and his aversion to flashy cars. His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’, and his infamous ‘Snotgate’ row with Ali Carter is still talked about today.
With his unique style of play and outspoken personality, Ronnie O’Sullivan has cemented his status as a true snooker legend. His ability to perform under intense pressure and his longevity at the top of the sport are a testament to his skill and determination. As he chases a record-breaking eighth World Championship title, all eyes will be on O’Sullivan to see if he can overcome the pressure and emerge victorious once again.
Ronnie O’Sullivan Opens Up on the Pressure Cooker of the Crucible
