'It takes character, b******s, courage' – Ronnie O'Sullivan explains why being snooker GOAT is 'a very lonely place'

Ronnie O'Sullivan insists his ability to manage anxiety, stress and expectation levels have been key to his snooker success story rather than raw natural ability. O'Sullivan claimed his seventh world title in May with an 18-14 final win over Judd Trump that saw him equal Stephen Hendry's 1990s Crucible haul. Ad Despite being widely acclaimed as the snooker GOAT, the 39-time ranking event winner and world No.

1 admits his longevity in the sport has never been a given since turning professional in 1992. World ChampionshipExclusive: O’Sullivan 'hated' seventh world title that dragged him to 'dark places'16/08/2022 AT 09:46 O'Sullivan looks at one with the snooker table, making the sport appear absurdly easy at times, but feels those outside the sport do not appreciate the ongoing strain of handling the pressure on and off the table. «I’m comfortable that my results have allowed me to not worry about not playing well, not winning tournaments, getting beat in the quarters, people judging me,» said O'Sullivan, who has continually toyed with the idea of quitting the green baize over the past three decades.

«They don’t even know what it’s like to be where I’ve been, where I go. It’s a very lonely place with people talking like they know what it’s like to be there, they couldn’t stand it for five minutes..they’d run a mile. »The pressure, the anxiety, the stress and expectations that come with it, it takes a lot more than just being talented.