O’Sullivan’s ‘extra gear’ makes him favourite for Crucible glory – White

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s ability to “put his foot on the gas” at the business end of matches makes him the favourite to win an eighth World Championship, according to Jimmy White.

O’Sullivan has history staring him in the face, as victory at the Crucible would see him break out of a tie with Stephen Hendry for the most world titles in the modern era.

Should he lift the title he would also join the elite company of Hendry, Steve Davis and Mark Williams in winning all three Triple Crown events in the same season after his victories at the UK Championship and Masters.

Against such a stacked field, O’Sullivan is not a certainty for world glory – but six-time Crucible finalist White believes he is the man to beat.

Speaking in the Eurosport studio, White said: “Judd Trump has won five tournaments this year, Mark Allen has won big tournaments, but O’Sullivan for me.

“O’Sullivan for me, his form. Against [Ali] Carter in the Masters, 7-7, then all of a sudden he puts his foot on the gas and is unplayable for three frames and wins.

“In the UK Championship playing Ding [Junhui], Ding is playing really well from 7-5 down to 7-7 and once again Ronnie puts his foot on the gas and wins three frames on the spin.”

As well as having an extra gear, White feels O’Sullivan’s all-round game keeps him above the chasing pack.

“We talk about Steve Davis, that great tactical player and one of the best,” White said. “Stephen Hendry one of the best potters and with amazing self belief. O’Sullvan now has got this positional game where he plays all the right shots and makes it look easy.

“He has an all-round game. We know how brilliant he is, but he has got that winning mindset now and he has got them three or four frames when it is needed to win.

“For me he has got to be the favourite for the World Championship.”

O’Sullivan was well placed to win the worlds last year only to come unstuck against eventual champion Luca Brecel, and Alan McManus added: “12 months ago his game went to pieces against Luca from 10-6 in front.

“A few weeks ago in Manchester against Mark Williams in the [Tour Championship] final his game went to pieces.

“He can be bullied and he can be beaten, but you have got to step up and make it happen.”