Ronnie O'Sullivan accused of lying as John Parrott told snooker fans not to listen to him
Ronnie O'Sullivan accused of lying as John Parrott told snooker fans not to listen to him
Ronnie O'Sullivan has won the World Snooker Championship seven times, but his preparation ahead of the 2020 tournament was questioned by a BBC commentator
Ronnie O'Sullivan has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2025 World Snooker Championship
(Image: Getty Images )
Ronnie O'Sullivan has always been box-office viewing in an interview - but one thing the snooker legend said mildly irked former world champion John Parrott. In 2020, O'Sullivan made headlines when he suggested that he barely practiced before his World Snooker Championship triumph
It was a particularly curious statement, as he was unstoppable, winning his sixth World Championship. Two years later, he would go on to increase his tally to seven world titles won at the Crucible, meaning he is now only one more triumph away from overtaking Stephen Hendry.
However, one BBC commentator did not believe him when he said he rarely practiced. O'Sullivan raised eyebrows by saying he preferred watching 'Only Fools and Horses' to preparing for pivotal matches in his career.
After his 2020 victory, O'Sullivan revealed he had significantly reduced his practice hours, even receiving playful criticism from his then-fiancee for his penchant for TV marathons. Parrott was not convinced by his revelation, telling fans not to believe a word he says.
O'Sullivan said at the time: "I've watched a bit of Del Boy and Rodney before my games rather than practising. [My fiancee] Laila says I'm like Rodney and my dad is like Del Boy.
"I kind of relate to that show a lot - Ronnie the plonker, rather than Rodney the plonker. I watch a lot of good stuff.
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"I watched Storage Wars - then I get a knock on the door and I go, 'Sweet, I can go and hit a few balls now."
Parrott was not convinced by O'Sullivan's laid back demeanour
(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images )
Despite his laid-back approach, the Rocket won his seventh title two years later with an 18-13 victory over Judd Trump. After his triumph, the skeptical Parrott said: "Don't listen to him saying he doesn't practice.
"He is in the club grafting like a Trojan, he puts the hours in and he wants to win. You will never see anyone like him again.
"He's the best player I've ever seen. His cue ball control is at another level. He's on another level to anyone who has played this game."
Ronnie O'Sullivan won his seventh world title in 2022
(Image: Getty Images )
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Despite not playing professionally for three months, O'Sullivan still entered the 2025 tournament, where his appearance in Sheffield wasn't confirmed until he walked out to face Ali Carter, whom he overcame in the first round with a 10-4 victory. O'Sullivan credited his improved mindset to working with psychiatrist Steve Peters.
O'Sullivan said: "I'm surprised I'm here but I'm here. I don't have any expectations. I'd just like to not feel all at sea out there. If I can just play and at least feel semi-competitive, I'd be happy with that.
"Could I win the whole thing? I doubt it. I'm nearly 50 now and there's a lot of young guys who are hungry and competing all the time. It's a bit different to say 2012, 2013."
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