Ronnie O'Sullivan reveals 'massive gaps' lost to drink and drug addictions early in snooker career

Ronnie O’Sullivan said there are “massive gaps” in his life that he lost to alcohol and drug addictions. The 47-year-old, seven-time world champion struggled with alcohol, drugs and mental health problems throughout his career. Ad He lost his 1998 Irish Masters title after he tested positive for cannabis, and had a spell in rehab in 2000 for substance abuse.

Snooker'I'm going to miss UK ones' – O'Sullivan reveals plans to play abroad next season5 HOURS AGO Speaking to the BBC on Thursday, he said: «There are massive gaps. »I lost six, seven years to drinking and taking cannabis. Then four years of dealing with stuff away from the table which I didn't deal with very well.

«I wasn't focusing on snooker. But I suppose everyone has those problems, but there's 10 years there where I didn't really do much. I didn't practise much, I didn't have the headspace to win.» 'I'm going to miss UK ones' — O'Sullivan reveals plan to play abroad next season 'O'Sullivan is one of the top three greatest sportsmen alive' — Fry tribute to snooker GOAT O'Sullivan could return to defend Hong Kong Masters title as snooker's biggest venue O’Sullivan is an inconsistent figure at the table these days, sometimes producing form close to the best of his career, and at other times playing well below par.

This year at the recent 2023 World Championship, he reached the quarter-finals before losing in an upset defeat to Luca Brecel, who would go on and win the tournament. «I lost my personality and confidence and needed to take substances just to feel like I could socialise,» added O'Sullivan. «Then you get clean, and you become awkward in social situations and you think 'how do I deal with these situations?' You get a bit anxious and it started to affect