Ronnie O’Sullivan aims for record eighth World Snooker Championship title

Ronnie O’Sullivan is gearing up for what he believes could be his “best season ever” as he sets his sights on claiming a record eighth World Championship title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The snooker legend, who won his first world title in 2001, is set to face Jackson Page in the first round of the tournament. O’Sullivan, at 48 years old, is aiming to win his sixth title this season and become only the fourth player to win all three Triple Crown events in a single season.

“I have just pitched up, played and got it right,” O’Sullivan said in an interview with BBC Sport. “If I did win it this year it would have to be my best season ever considering I have only played 11 events. They are the key events that I have won.”

O’Sullivan, widely regarded as snooker’s greatest player, has already enjoyed success in several major tournaments this season, including the UK Championship and the Masters. He is also on track to potentially win a record-extending 42nd career ranking title in Sheffield.

Despite the media hype surrounding his pursuit of more world titles, O’Sullivan remains focused on his game and is not getting caught up in the numbers.

“If I get the eighth, you’ll be saying ‘if you get the ninth it’ll inspire this…’ and it never ends,” O’Sullivan said in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live. “When do you kind of go, ‘what’s enough?’ I’ll just keep playing and if I get to eight great, nine, 10, 11, 12, who knows.”

As O’Sullivan prepares to compete in the World Championship, he is not only aiming for personal success but also looking to inspire the next generation of snooker players. He recently signed a three-year ambassadorial agreement with Saudi Arabia to help develop young talent in the sport.

With his unmatched skill and experience, O’Sullivan is undoubtedly the man to beat at this year’s World Championship, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can add another title to his already impressive collection.