Ronnie O’Sullivan recently shared his struggles with self-doubt following his defeat in the World Open final. The seven-time world champion was defeated 10-7 by Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in Yushan after initially taking a commanding 4-0 lead.
Having triumphed over world No.1 Judd Trump in the semi-final, the 40-year-old Un-Nooh claimed the £175,000 prize, leaving O’Sullivan to ponder his performance in China. Despite opting out of the Tour Championship in Manchester, O’Sullivan is now focusing on the upcoming Snooker World Championship starting on April 18 at the Crucible in Sheffield.
Reflecting on his recent struggles, O’Sullivan expressed his eagerness for the season to conclude but acknowledged the need to take things one step at a time. He admitted to facing challenges in finding his form and regaining confidence in his game, particularly after a dip in performance earlier in the year.
While praising his opponent’s exceptional play, O’Sullivan highlighted his own technical deficiencies and inability to execute certain shots effectively. He acknowledged Thepchaiya’s superior performance and expressed a desire to improve his game to compete at a higher level.
Despite the setbacks, O’Sullivan remains optimistic about his future in the sport, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and focused on gradual improvement. While recognizing the tough competition he faces, O’Sullivan remains committed to honing his skills and making a strong comeback in the upcoming tournaments.