‘I’m not feeling good’ – O’Sullivan aims to rediscover top form before Crucible

Ronnie O’Sullivan admits he has struggled to rediscover his top form in a gruelling past couple of years, and insists “I’m not feeling good”.

This is in spite of O’Sullivan adding to his bulging trophy cabinet with his eighth titles in the Masters and UK Championship respectively.

The world No.1’s more immediate focus is a match against long-term adversary Ali Carter in the Tour Championship quarter-finals.

“It’s hard when you’re playing matches against really good players all the time and competing for ranking points. Sometimes you don’t relax enough. I need to figure out a way to find my game again and I think that’s playing more exhibitions.

“I’m very patchy. The snooker I’ve played for two years hasn’t been great. I’ve competed and [in] my head I give myself 10/10 for that, I give myself full marks. But technique and execution of the shot, probably four or five out of 10.

“I’ve had to work hard for my performances. That’s not my natural style. You win, but you don’t get much satisfaction from it.”

“That’s the worst part about my job, having to play. Getting away, going to the gym, eating good food, chilling out, watching Netflix. When you’re playing OK, it’s alright. When you’re playing absolute filth, you’re like, ‘oh no’ – it’s embarrassing sometimes.

“I don’t drink, I don’t go out partying so this is a great place for me, this kind of place. In the UK, it’s all pubs and drinking.”

Following the Tour Championship, O’Sullivan’s focus will turn to the World Snooker Championship – a competition which he has won seven times.

Another victory would see The Rocket move past Stephen Hendry’s haul and become the outright most successful player in the competition’s history.

The main competition begins on April 20, and will be shown live on Eurosport and discovery+.