Ronnie O’Sullivan Compares Snooker to Chess and Reveals Why He Snubbed Football as a Youngster

Ronnie O’Sullivan, the legendary snooker player known as ‘The Rocket,’ has made headlines once again, this time comparing professional snooker to chess and revealing why he snubbed football as a youngster. The 49-year-old recently withdrew from the Masters on medical grounds, citing mental fatigue as the reason for his decision.

During his time away from the table, O’Sullivan has been working as a pundit for Eurosport, providing insight and analysis for fans watching the tournament. After Mark Selby’s impressive 6-1 victory over Ali Carter, O’Sullivan joined ‘The Jester’ in the studio and praised his rival’s tactical play.

In a bold statement, O’Sullivan likened snooker to chess, calling it a “mental sport” that requires strategic thinking and foresight. He compared himself and his fellow players to “chess players” who must think several moves ahead in order to succeed.

O’Sullivan’s comments sparked a discussion with Selby, who pointed out the lack of hiding places in snooker compared to team sports like football. O’Sullivan explained that he turned to snooker as a young player because he wanted to be in control of his own destiny, rather than relying on teammates.

Both O’Sullivan and Selby also called for more mental health support for players on the World Snooker Tour, suggesting that a full-time support person should be available at professional tournaments. Their openness about the challenges of being on tour highlights the importance of mental well-being in the world of professional snooker.

As O’Sullivan continues to make waves both on and off the table, fans can expect more insightful and thought-provoking commentary from one of the sport’s greatest players.