Ronnie O'Sullivan fears World Championship star would punish him in harsh admission
Ronnie O'Sullivan fears World Championship star would punish him in harsh admission
Ronnie O'Sullivan will face Judd Trump or Mark Williams in the final of the World Snooker Championship if he can beat Zhao Xintong in the semis
Ronnie O'Sullivan has been critical of his game at this year's World Snooker Championship
(Image: George Wood, Getty Images )
Ronnie O'Sullivan has detailed which player he fears facing in the final of the World Snooker Championship.
Despite cruising into the semi-finals of the Crucible for an unrivalled 14th time after beating Si Jiahui 13-9, 'The Rocket' remains critical of his own game as he seeks to clinch a record eighth title.
The 49-year-old isn't satisfied with how he's been playing and is struggling with his cue action, even more so after snapping a cue earlier in the year.
This had led to speculation about his participation in the prestigious tournament following an extended break from the sport.
And while he is not quite hitting the peak levels of performance he's known for, O'Sullivan is still in contention to make history at the Crucible.
But there is one man who he believes could prove particularly problematic for him should he make it to the tournament final later this week. He explained: "I have give it my best but I am hanging in there.
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"I would like to be playing better but I have to try and find some form at some point. I don't feel rusty, I have only been playing for a month but I just couldn't face playing. It gets harder, look at the way Judd [Trump] is playing.
"I won't be able to get away with what I have done so far. I can't get any worse, put it that way," reports the Mirror.
O'Sullivan will face either Trump or Mark Williams in the final should he be able to get the better of Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals this week.
And despite holding reservations about his own game, he remains optimistic in his meeting with the Chinese superstar. He explained: "I'm grinding it out. Had work done on my cue. The cue feels awful. I am playing awful. I need a new ferrule.
Ronnie O'Sullivan thinks Judd Trump would punish him if he doesn't improve
(Image: Tai Chengzhe, Visual China Group via Getty Images )
"I miss the buzz of playing well. I'm trying all sorts, to hold the cue in a different place, try anything. Si played poorly in the whole match. He let me off. He gave me chances.
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"I'm looking forward to each match. I will keep plugging away. I love the Chinese guys to do well. It's not easy for them. They are brilliant. A credit to China. Zhao is a formidable opponent."
In the semi-final stage, O'Sullivan is set to take on Xintong, a Chinese prodigy who has been making his presence felt after earning his spot as an amateur.
Despite his past suspension, 27-year-old Xintong has demonstrated resilience and skill, having secured his place in the semi-finals by overcoming Chris Wakelin with a score of 13-5.
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