Jimmy White backs Ronnie O'Sullivan for World Championship glory, Rachel Casey and Barry Hearn disagree

Eurosport’s Jimmy White feels Ronnie O’Sullivan is in the sort of form that can carry him to a seventh World Championship title. O’Sullivan overcame a slow start to take command of his first-round clash with David Gilbert, rallying from 3-0 down to lead 6-3 overnight.

Ad/> Some of the play in the six-frame burst was of the standard he has produced at times already this season. World ChampionshipO’Sullivan powers into commanding lead over Gilbert2 HOURS AGO While O'Sullivan has just the one title to his name this term — the World Grand Prix — he has shown excellent form in reaching the final of the European Masters and semi-finals of the English Open, Scottish Open and Tour Championship.

O’Sullivan is well versed in the long format of the Crucible, and White feels it could all fall into place for him to equal Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world crowns. “My prediction for this year’s World Championship is Ronnie O’Sullivan,” White told Eurosport.

“Going into this tournament, Neil Robertson is the form player but Ronnie O’Sullivan to me — he has lost 6-4 and 10-9 the last two times they have played — and Ronnie’s record here is impeccable and he is playing well, so my prediction is Ronnie O'Sullivan.” Can O'Sullivan keep world No. 1 spot as he predicts 'carnage' for Crucible seeds? 'Just words' — O'Sullivan dismisses Vafaei 'retire' attack as other players weigh in World Championship 2022: Order of play, live scores, schedule, results Rachel Casey will be in the Eurosport studio alongside White in Sheffield, and she is backing John Higgins to bounce back from his agonising defeat at the Tour Championship.

“I am going for a four-time Crucible king, and that is Scotland’s John Higgins,” Casey said. “He has been incredible