Ronnie O’Sullivan admits World Snooker Championship regret as he flexes on his rivals | Other | Sport

Ronnie O’Sullivan admits he ‘could’ve won 10 or 12 world titles’ if he had his ‘head straight on’ during his 30-year career. O’Sullivan currently boasts seven world titles to his name, with the Rocket chasing a record eighth triumph at this year’s Championship.

Jackson Page presented very little threat to O’Sullivan in the opening round of the 2024 World Championship. The world No.1 waltzed to a 10-1 win over the Welshman, with O’Sullivan barely getting out of first gear.

Reflecting on his career post-match, O’Sullivan admitted he’s proud of his achievements, but revealed he could’ve had even more world titles to his name.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “To do what I’ve done this season in your whole career, if you had a 30-year career and won what I’ve won this season, you’d say ‘I’ve had a great career.’ I’ve been doing that for 30 years. I’ve had the greatest career of any other snooker people.

“How many people can say they’ve been the best or most successful at their job ever? I really need to give myself a pat on the back – because I don’t. I’m always pretty hard on myself but the reality is nobody’s ever achieved what I’ve achieved on the table statistically. I’m not a statistics guy but I know you people are, you like to hear numbers and stuff like that. For me I just want to enjoy it and keep playing.”

He later added: “Like I said, what’s possible? I don’t know. If I’d have had my head on straight for 30 years I could’ve won 10 or 12 world titles by now. Who knows, but it’s great to find out. Let’s see what can happen.”

Many are already tipping O’Sullivan to go on and win the World Championship at a canter, given several big names – including reigning champion Luca Brecel – have been knocked out. And when quizzed on whether this would be the best season of his career, should he add yet another title to his collection, O’Sullivan offered up a typically blunt response.

The Rocket said: “Statistically, probably yeah. Because obviously the Masters, the UK Championship, if you were to add this it’d be the three Majors which is what everyone gets excited about. So yeah I suppose statistically. But playing-wise definitely not. I have to try and ignore my feelings and just go ‘I’ve got them in the bank, great.’ But for me it’s more about enjoying the game.”