Ronnie O’Sullivan reveals his ‘golden rule’ live on ITV at Players Championship

Ronnie O’Sullivan revealed a new ‘golden rule’ he abides by following his Players Championship victory over Zhou Yuelong.

The seven times world champion said he refuses to analyse his own performances after he extended his unbeaten run to 16 matches.

X formerly Twitter / @itvsnooker

Ronnie O’Sullivan said he will no longer comment on other players[/caption]

X formerly Twitter / @itvsnooker

He claimed is ‘golden rule’ is not to discuss his own performances[/caption]

O’Sullivan was making his first competitive appearance since beating Alfie Burden in a World Open qualifier on January 23.

The 48-year-old withdrew from both the German Masters and Welsh Open in order to protect his health and wellbeing.

O’Sullivan was far from his best in the early stages but improved after the interval in Telford.

O’Sullivan returned after the break at 2-2 in a much better place and won the next four frames to win 6-2.

But he was in no mood to divulge any insight into his performance.

O’Sullivan told ITV4: “I don’t assess my performances really, I make that a golden rule.

“Bit of match practice, take what I can from the tour and move on.

“I’m just trying to get away with playing as least as I can, I feel happier doing that.

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“This is all icing on the cake for me, whatever I get off this tour.

“I’ve got my exhibitions, my ambassador work and that’s my main thing – I just fit in a few tournaments around that.”

He will now face either Mark Selby or Barry Hawkins in the quarter-final on Thursday, with the pair’s first-round match taking place on Wednesday afternoon.

O’Sullivan was asked whether Zhou would regret some of the chances he missed earlier in the match.

But the Rocket, who has often criticised his opponents in the past, decided to remain tight-lipped.

He said: “Yeah I’m not going to comment on other players anymore. So I’m just pleased to be through.”