Ronnie O'Sullivan FASTING for World Snooker Championship glory as he reveals extreme lengths to retain title

Ronnie O'Sullivan is hungry for more World Snooker Championship glory – in the most literal terms imaginable.

That's because world champion revealed he is FASTING for up to 17 hours a day to give himself more energy. World No.1 O'Sullivan wiped the floor with Jackson Page 10-1 in the first round before a more robust challenge in Ryan Day which he comfortably came through 13-7. His seven titles are currently matched only by Scottish sporting legend Stephen Hendry, and an eighth would put him out on his own.

And he's salivating at the prospect as The Rocket revealed after reaching his 22nd Crucible quarter-final: “I’m intermittent fasting for this tournament because it gives me more energy,” disclosed O’Sullivan, who is starving himself for up to 17 hours a day. There are certain things I do. It doesn’t necessarily mean I’m going to win, but I need every little advantage I can get at this stage.

“It’s a tournament of endurance, stamina, concentration. For me intermittent fasting gives me a bit more energy. I’m doing 16 or 17 hours at the moment. I try to stop at seven at night, but it’s hard here because you’re playing matches.

“It’s great. I feel good. I’m 48 and I feel energised. If I eat too much I get sluggish. Animals in the forest they go a couple of days without food and they get hungry and get their prey, eat it and digest it for a while. They’re not having three meals a day and snacking of a night.”

Lifting the treasured trophy once again would complete a season Triple Crown for the first time in the Rocket’s record-setting career after wins at the UK Championship and Masters this term. But the Chigwell ace revealed he has been crippled with anxiety over his performance for the past two years, despite racking