Ronnie O’Sullivan names ‘warrior’ his favourite for World Snooker Championship title

Ronnie O’Sullivan has selected his favourite to win the World Snooker Championship.

Following their thrilling World Grand Prix match, Ronnie O’Sullivan has endorsed “warrior” Judd Trump to win the World Snooker Championship this year. Although O’Sullivan overcame deficits of 4-0 and 6-3 to win the title, he acknowledged that Trump is the more likely candidate to win the world championship in May.

O’Sullivan defeated Trump at the World Grand Prix in Leicester to win his third major championship in as many days. It complements the trophies he won in the UK Championship and the Masters in December and the first part of January, respectively.

Over the weekend, The Rocket displayed incredible snooker skills, especially in his 6-1 semifinal victory over Ding Junhui. In a dramatic championship match, O’Sullivan overcame Trump 10-7 and predicted his opponent to win the world title twice.

As the week progressed, I began to feel better. Last night, I played some of my finest snooker against Ding. Regarding his performance in the championship match, O’Sullivan remarked, “I knew I would have to play well, or at least do something well, against Judd, so that gave me some confidence coming in today.”

“I assumed this would be an early night – a 10-1 job – after he smashed me off the table 4-0. This afternoon, I was able to steal a couple of frames. 5-3 offered me a glimmer of hope. I emerged thinking, just try and see what happens, enjoy the fight, because that’s what you have to do—you have to fight Judd, a fighter.

“For me, he’s the favourite for the World Championship this year.”

After defeating Trump, O’Sullivan acknowledged that, when he’s at the table, he feels younger than his actual

age of 48. But in the midst of mounting rumors about his future in the game, he

said that he is “struggling with myself” following the semifinals.

The seven-time world champion hopes fans do not misconstrue previous comments in which he claimed he is no longer bothered if he wins or loses matches.

“On sometimes, it’s difficult to maintain your endurance and attention. Mentally, I always put up a professional show, regardless of what I say or how I feel. It is beyond my control whether or not I perform well.

“I’m doing my hardest, so I don’t want people to believe that I’m not trying. It was a pleasant Saturday night.”