**Ronnie O’Sullivan Expresses Concerns Over Facing Judd Trump in Crucible Final**
Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever players, has admitted to harbouring doubts about his current form as he edges ever closer to a potential record-breaking eighth World Snooker Championship crown at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Despite advancing to the semi-finals for a staggering 14th time, O’Sullivan has been surprisingly self-critical, voicing anxieties that his performance simply may not be up to scratch, even as he stands on the cusp of history.
The 49-year-old, known to fans as ‘The Rocket’, comfortably dispatched Si Jiahui 13-9 in the quarter-finals but has nevertheless expressed a sense of dissatisfaction with both his technique and his results throughout the tournament. O’Sullivan’s woes have been compounded by ongoing issues with his cue, stemming from an incident earlier this year when he snapped one of his trusted cues, prompting speculation earlier in the season about whether he would even participate in this year’s Championship.
Reflecting on his run so far, O’Sullivan conceded, “I have given it my best but I am hanging in there. I would like to be playing better but I have to try and find some form at some point.” He went on to highlight the escalating level of competition, particularly singling out Judd Trump—his likely opponent in the final should he get past Zhao Xintong in the semis. “It gets harder, look at the way Judd is playing,” O’Sullivan noted candidly. “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.”
Despite these frank admissions, the world number one remains optimistic and upbeat about his campaign. “I’m grinding it out. Had work done on my cue. The cue feels awful. I am playing awful. I need a new ferrule,” he revealed. “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.”
O’Sullivan will need to overcome China’s Zhao Xintong, a rising snooker star who has made headlines with a remarkable run as an amateur following an earlier suspension. Zhao, only 27, displayed remarkable composure and skill as he swept aside Chris Wakelin 13-5 to book his place in the semi-finals, further cementing his reputation as one of China’s brightest snooker talents. O’Sullivan was generous in his praise, saying, “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.”
Should O’Sullivan prevail over Zhao, he is set to meet either Judd Trump or Mark Williams in what promises to be a mouthwatering Crucible final. Notably, Trump’s current form has drawn admiration and some concern from O’Sullivan, who admits that only his very best will suffice to claim victory against such an in-form opponent.
The snooker world will be watching closely as O’Sullivan attempts to reconcile his recent struggles with the phenomenal track record and natural ability that has defined his career. Regardless of the outcome, his open assessment of his own game offers a compelling glimpse into the pressures faced by elite athletes chasing sporting immortality.
It remains to be seen whether O’Sullivan can once again rise to meet the occasion, or if one of the sport’s younger stars will seize the moment and halt his charge. In any case, the 2025 World Snooker Championship is set for a thrilling climax, fuelled by high expectations, honest self-reflection, and the relentless drive to win from all involved.