Ronnie O'Sullivan says he will be 'trying his hardest' to win record eighth World Championship title

Ronnie O’Sullivan says that despite playing it down, he will be «trying [his] hardest» to win the upcoming World Championships. The world No. 1 is often known for his stoic demeanour and his claims that snooker no longer holds much significance to him.

Ad But after matching Stephen Hendry's record of seven world titles last year, The Rocket now has a chance to break the record by winning the prestigious trophy at the Crucible Theatre this year. World ChampionshipWorld Snooker Championship: Order of play, schedule and results from the Crucible8 MINUTES AGO And the winner of 39 ranking titles and seven Masters crowns has admitted that he does play down his passion for the game, and is hopes of breaking Hendry's record. “I try to get a perspective on the game and on my life, and I think that is better now," said O'Sullivan.

«I don’t want to be defined by snooker, a result, achievements. If they come, great. But yeah, I probably play it down.

»I will be trying my hardest this year, obviously. And I think I have another four good genuine attempts at [winning an eighth world title]. “I do care, of course, I care.

I just try to have a better perspective on it. It is a big part of my life, but not all of my life. I am not going to invest everything into it.

“If it happens, great. I don’t have to be fully focused 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Once I put my cue down, I try to forget about snooker and enjoy my life." 'Brutal match' – Hawkins keeps Crucible dream alive despite 'terrible standard' win ‘As long as I’m clean and sober’ – O’Sullivan on ‘addictive nature’ ahead of World Championship 'Horrific' – Former world champion Dott explains misery of missing out on Crucible spot O'Sullivan will be looking to