Exclusive: 'Not up for the fight' - Ronnie O'Sullivan on having easy time beating 'nice guys' on snooker tour

Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has explained why he feels he has an «easier time» against some of his fellow professionals on the tour. The 46-year-old has started the 2022/23 snooker campaign as the sport's undisputed world No. 1 after he conquered the Crucible for a record-equalling seventh time with his latest incredible showing on the biggest stage.

Ad The 39-time ranking event winner joined Stephen Hendry as the most prolific world champion in modern history with the 18-13 triumph over 2019 champion Judd Trump in what was a memorable 46th final at the famous Sheffield venue. Northern Ireland OpenWomen's world champion Nutcharut defeats Mann to qualify for Northern Ireland Open9 HOURS AGO Speaking with Eurosport's Greg Rutherford and Orla Chennaoui on The Breakdown, O'Sullivan was very open about the fact that he finds playing against some players easier than others due to their mentalities and personalities. The Breakdown returns next week for the second part of its first season.

Previous episodes have included conversations with Sir Chris Hoy, racing driver Jamie Chadwick and sprint legend Mark Cavendish. You can listen here. «There are certain players that you just think are not up for the fight,» O'Sullivan explained on the Eurosport podcast.

«They are great players or very good players, but you just know that they don't believe that they can beat you, and you kind of have an easier time against those guys. »It is not their fault, it is just their personalities. They are just nice guys.