Ronnie O’Sullivan reveals why he is NOT favourite to win 2024 World Snooker Championship and tips ‘warrior’ for victory

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN does NOT believe that he is the favourite to win the World Snooker Championship this year.

The Rocket, 48, was in electric form last night to beat Judd Trump 10-7 in the World Grand Prix final at Leicester’s Morningside Arena.

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Ronnie O’Sullivan picked up his latest silverware in Sheffield[/caption]

O’Sullivan turned on the style to overcome a 4-0 deficit, having initially looked out of sorts during the afternoon session.

Despite his classy comeback, the seven-time world champion believes Trump is the favourite for this year’s event at The Crucible.

Speaking after his triumph last night, his third major title in just 50 days, in-form O’Sullivan said: “Sheffield is a different animal and is three sessions.

“When you’re playing different opponents, you can get geed up easier. You put that match behind you and reset, but when you’re facing the same opponent over three or four sessions, you don’t really get that reset feeling.

“To win in Sheffield, usually apart from 2020 [when O’Sullivan beat Kyren Wilson], being steady gets the job done.

“If I can find a bit of steadiness, then I’ve got a chance.”

Revealing his current favourite for the title, O’Sullivan explained: “Judd is a warrior and for me he is favourite for Sheffield, but I have three months to try to get some consistency in my game.

“It will be nice to go there and enjoy it.”

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Only last week, O’Sullivan admitted he was struggling with his game.

But he found form in time to win regardless, while re-finding his enjoyment of the sport.

He tweeted after the final: “I enjoyed that tonight. It’s always a tough game against Judd, hes an exceptional player. But I did have fun tonight.

“Thanks again to the fans! I hope we entertained you and you enjoyed it this week.”

Now a snooker veteran, O’Sullivan still feels as youthful as ever when lining up shots.

He told ITV: “When I play snooker, I feel young in my head. I know age is a number – 48 – but when I start playing, I feel like I knock about 20 years off.

“I feel quite vibrant. As long as I still feel young at the table, I don’t think age is really an issue.

“With experience, it’s helping me. I’ve got a lot of experience now, won a lot of tournaments and been around a while.

“I’ve learned a lot about the game. I’m probably a better all-round player than I’ve ever been.”

O’Sullivan has pocketed a cool £600,000 from winning his last three events.

Victories at the 2023 UK Championship and 2024 Masters were worth a cool £250,000 each.

While his latest win yesterday earned him £100k, with runner-up Trump bagging £40k.

This year’s World Snooker Championship is set to begin at The Crucible On April 20.

PA

‘Warrior’ Judd Trump is favourite for this year’s World Snooker Championship, claims O’Sullivan[/caption]