Ronnie O Sullivan

Wanderer78 · 10-08-2020 3:17pm

some sort of physiological disorder probably going on there, amazingly talented though, best of luck to him

dennyire · 10-08-2020 3:17pm

joeguevara wrote: »

I completely agree. Anyone who took offence at this, is looking to take offence at it. Firstly, he is speaking the truth. He is better than them all and gets annoyed if he isn't even challenged. He speaks his mind, would you expect anything else? He is a legend of the game, so its a breath of fresh air than having to listen to the same rote script interviews we are used to hearing in every sport.

Jasus Joe you have changed your tune. Just watch him now on BBC2...magic

joeguevara · 10-08-2020 3:19pm

dennyire wrote: »

Jasus Joe you have changed your tune. Just watch him now on BBC2...magic

Not at all, i think he is amazing. Best player ever. I grew up watching Taylor, Higgins, White, Davis and a young Hendry and while I loved Higgins, Ronnie has it all. I love the edge too.

ThewhiteJesus · 10-08-2020 3:22pm

razorblunt wrote: »

He's a great talent, no doubt, but he's an absolute arsehóle at times too.
His comments on the younger players was incredibly disrespectful and unprofessional.
You can argue he has a point (I'd say he does) but there are so many ways he can put them across.

There's no argument to be had, what he said is 100% accurate.
If the way he answered a question offends you, that's on you.
There has never been a time in snooker when 40plus players are winning major titles, in fact i think hendry retired at 35 or something as higgins and ronnie
knocked him off his perch, like he did to davis and white.
The snowflake players need to take what he said on the chin, he's the greatest player to ever play the game.
They need to up their game which i'm sure they can.

joeguevara · 10-08-2020 3:26pm

ThewhiteJesus wrote: »

There's no argument to be had, what he said is 100% accurate.
If the way he answered a question offends you, that's on you.
There has never been a time in snooker when 40plus players are winning major titles, in fact i think hendry retired at 35 or something as higgins and ronnie
knocked him off his perch, like he did to davis and white.
The snowflake players need to take what he said on the chin, he's the greatest player to ever play the game.
They need to up their game which i'm sure they can.

Exactly. This would be similar if Maradonna after scoring a hat trick called the defence a bunch of muppets who don't deserve to tie his shoes. Play better or get criticised. End of.

howareyakid · 10-08-2020 3:28pm

ThewhiteJesus wrote: »

There's no argument to be had, what he said is 100% accurate.
If the way he answered a question offends you, that's on you.
There has never been a time in snooker when 40plus players are winning major titles, in fact i think hendry retired at 35 or something as higgins and ronnie
knocked him off his perch, like he did to davis and white.
The snowflake players need to take what he said on the chin, he's the greatest player to ever play the game.
They need to up their game which i'm sure they can.

I’m sure it is accurate. If Ronnie is saying the standard is poor, no doubt it is. Could he have gone about saying it in a different way though? Or maybe he felt that the younger players he’s referring to needed to hear the unvarnished truth. I don’t know!

joeguevara · 10-08-2020 3:32pm

howareyakid wrote: »

I’m sure it is accurate. If Ronnie is saying the standard is poor, no doubt it is. Could he have gone about saying it in a different way though? Or maybe he felt that the younger players he’s referring to needed to hear the unvarnished truth. I don’t know!

I suppose a question is 'why should he?'. He is not their mams. If he said it in a sugar coated way he would be blamed for being fake.

Cork Trucker · 10-08-2020 3:35pm

I'll never forget this

skinny90 · 10-08-2020 3:39pm

Wanderer78 wrote: »

some sort of physiological disorder probably going on there, amazingly talented though, best of luck to him

It is well documented about his battles with depression. Certain things will tick him off and hell loose the rag or say things in the media, to any joe soap you'd think hes a pr*ck. Its funny how most of the people posting dont know this.

Joe_ Public · 10-08-2020 3:41pm

ThewhiteJesus wrote: »

There's no argument to be had, what he said is 100% accurate.
If the way he answered a question offends you, that's on you.
There has never been a time in snooker when 40plus players are winning major titles, in fact i think hendry retired at 35 or something as higgins and ronnie
knocked him off his perch, like he did to davis and white.
The snowflake players need to take what he said on the chin, he's the greatest player to ever play the game.
They need to up their game which i'm sure they can.

Not really. Ray Reardon was 38 when he won his first world title, 46 when he won his last. Doug Mountjoy didnt even turn pro till he was near 40 and went on to win a UK and other titles. Fred Davis reached a world sf at 68 etc. Different times but age is not exactly the barrier in snooker you might imagine it to be. Still doesnt make osullivan necessarily wrong in what he said though.

Richard Hillman · 10-08-2020 3:50pm

He has an attitude of when he's not winning he trys to convince himself that he doesn't care. He's a bit like Nick Krygios.

I think they would rather have the comfort of having the impression of where people say they could have been a lot better if they nuckled down and kept their heads.

It's an avoidant personality disorder. They know if they gave it absolutely everything throughout their careers and it turned out that they weren't as good as they built themselves up, it would be more destroying than having that comfort factor of "I could have been better".

O'Sullivan is a great of his sport. He has won 5 World Titles. But I'm not subscribing to he could have been better. I don't think he is mentally strong enough to be better. He is what he is. His records are what he is. Very very good.

howareyakid · 10-08-2020 4:10pm

joeguevara wrote: »

I suppose a question is 'why should he?'.

To not sound like an arséhole I suppose!

joeguevara · 10-08-2020 4:13pm

howareyakid wrote: »

To not sound like an arséhole I suppose!

I don't think he really cares about that. Some of his comments previously are way worse and abrasive. He speaks what is on his mind at the time, same as a lot of the greats do.

The Nal · 10-08-2020 4:16pm

joeguevara wrote: »

Some of his comments previously are way worse and abrasive.

Probably his worst

howareyakid · 10-08-2020 4:22pm

joeguevara wrote: »

I don't think he really cares about that. Some of his comments previously are way worse and abrasive. He speaks what is on his mind at the time, same as a lot of the greats do.

I know that. He’s a maverick as was Alex Higgins etc. and a lot of people love him for that. My point is that a lot of others can’t stand him because of such comments. But it’s not a popularity contest either, I know.

joeguevara · 10-08-2020 4:24pm

howareyakid wrote: »

I know that. He’s a maverick as was Alex Higgins etc. and a lot of people love him for that. My point is that a lot of others can’t stand him because of such comments. But it’s not a popularity contest either, I know.

Interestingly, himself and Higgins would probably be two of the most popular characters in snooker, definitely amongst the casual snooker fan.

howareyakid · 10-08-2020 4:34pm

joeguevara wrote: »

Interestingly, himself and Higgins would probably be two of the most popular characters in snooker, definitely amongst the casual snooker fan.

Yes I agree. When there’s fans in the Crucible, Ronnie is always the fans’ favourite. I usually want to see him win myself because I love watching him play. It’s just hard to get behind everything the guy says in interviews etc! Higgins was loved as well - maybe even more than Ronnie from hearing the older generations talking about him. People seemed to adore his swagger, even though he had his own controversies.

joeguevara · 10-08-2020 4:36pm

howareyakid wrote: »

Yes I agree. When there’s fans in the Crucible, Ronnie is always the fans’ favourite. I usually want to see him win myself because I love watching him play. It’s just hard to get behind everything the guy says in interviews etc! Higgins was loved as well - maybe even more than Ronnie from hearing the older generations talking about him. People seemed to adore his swagger, even though he had his own controversies.

Higgins threatened to get Taylor blown shot the loyalists but still loved by the Irish. I seem to remember him headbutting a ref as well. What an absolute legend.

The Nal · 10-08-2020 4:38pm

joeguevara wrote: »

Higgins threatened to get Taylor blown up by the loyalists but still loved by the Irish. I seem to remember him headbutting a ref as well. What an absolute legend.

"Stick yur snukker up yur jackseh"

Sandor Clegane · 10-08-2020 4:44pm

He's a great player but I find him insufferable.

I think he uses the I don't care it's all just a bit of fun attitude to insulate himself from pressure, he also uses it to protect himself if he loses or gets outplayed and a lot of people buy into it, including the pundits. It's a bit cowardly really and disrespectful to the player who bests or outplays him.

bangkok · 10-08-2020 4:48pm

are snooker players drug tested??

Stevieluvsye · 10-08-2020 4:50pm

Wanderer78 wrote: »

some sort of physiological disorder probably going on there, amazingly talented though, best of luck to him

He had a tough enough childhood with his dad being locked up for murder, was open about suffering with deression/ anxiety also.
I have been in his company on three occasions and found him pleasent but quiet enough.

He gets mobbed wherever he goes so i'd be backing him all day long to with this event with nobody hassling him

mcmoustache · 10-08-2020 4:54pm

bangkok wrote: »

are snooker players drug tested??

The subject of this thread has lost a title for a failed cannabis test. Had to forfeit the winnings to our own Ken Doherty.

The Nal · 10-08-2020 4:55pm

bangkok wrote: »

are snooker players drug tested??

Yeah. Ronnie got banned for smoking weed after the Irish Open in 1998. Stripped of the title.

radiata · 10-08-2020 4:56pm

Looks like Ronnie is playing to the same standards as the 'numpties'.
This genius hasn't been in a final since 2014

Rothko · 10-08-2020 5:03pm

joeguevara wrote: »

I completely agree. Anyone who took offence at this, is looking to take offence at it. Firstly, he is speaking the truth. He is better than them all and gets annoyed if he isn't even challenged. He speaks his mind, would you expect anything else? He is a legend of the game, so its a breath of fresh air than having to listen to the same rote script interviews we are used to hearing in every sport.

Don't think anyone was offended by it.

BorneTobyWilde · 10-08-2020 5:03pm

He takes on things he never should, all through the arrogance of not caring. If he would play somewhat normally, and not take everything on he'd win more, but he doesn't care.
He'll be hosting Top Gear next .

Stevieluvsye · 10-08-2020 5:06pm

BorneTobyWilde wrote: »

He takes on things he never should, all through the arrogance of not caring. If he would play somewhat normally, and not take everything on he'd win more, but he doesn't care.
He'll be hosting Top Gear next .

He'd probably be retired now if it wasn't for Steve Peters

Ronnie doesn't need the cash, worth about £20 mil odd, due to his nice relationship he has with the chinese events

Ipso · 10-08-2020 5:07pm

bangkok wrote: »

are snooker players drug tested??

Yes. If the pass, they are given some.

The Nal · 10-08-2020 5:11pm

radiata wrote: »

Looks like Ronnie is playing to the same standards as the 'numpties'.
This genius hasn't been in a final since 2014

Hes been in 16 ranking event finals since 2014 and won 11 of them.

Hes never been a fan of the Crucible. 2 weeks is a long time for him to be alone with his brain doing the same thing.

ThewhiteJesus · 10-08-2020 5:21pm

The Nal wrote: »

Hes been in 16 ranking event finals since 2014 and won 11 of them.

Hes never been a fan of the Crucible. 2 weeks is a long time for him to be alone with his brain doing the same thing.

yes he doesn't like the crucible as the players have to walk in with the fans, this must be a nightmare especially for him with his issues having a million freaks hanging out of him getting photos and all sorts.
All he wants is a back entrance or someway to get in hassle free

Bobblehats · 10-08-2020 5:31pm

ThewhiteJesus wrote: »

yes he doesn't like the crucible as the players have to walk in with the fans, this must be a nightmare especially for him with his issues having a million freaks hanging out of him getting photos and all sorts.
All he wants is a back entrance or someway to get in hassle free

Had a brief phase where I was infatuated with Stuart Bingham myself.

Now I’ve moved on to McGill! Don’t worry nobody’s life is in danger...well maybe Kyren Wilson’s. His attempt at a disguise is weak the ronnie; the highlights the waistcoat - the Italian fcuking shoes! he’s fooling nobody. Still the same spotty herbert I wanted to murder all those years back ...

Mysterypunter · 10-08-2020 5:35pm

bangkok wrote: »

are snooker players drug tested??

Alex Higgins would have been suspended for testing negative. They are, some have been suspended for beta blockers, they take away the shakes.

Stevieluvsye · 10-08-2020 5:36pm

Bobblehats wrote: »

Had a brief phase where I was infatuated with Stuart Bingham myself.

Now I’ve moved on to McGill! Don’t worry nobody’s life is in danger...well maybe Kyren Wilson’s. His attempt at a disguise is weak the ronnie; the highlights the waistcoat - the Italian fcuking shoes! he’s fooling nobody. Still the same spotty herbert I wanted to murder all those years back ...

Such anger

Move on to John Higgins, gent of the highest order and he loves the Irish

Stevieluvsye · 10-08-2020 5:37pm

Mysterypunter wrote: »

Alex Higgins would have been suspended for testing negative. They are, some have been suspended for beta blockers, they take away the shakes.

Big bad bill used to take them as he had the shakes from the gargle. Big unit he was

joeguevara · 10-08-2020 5:39pm

Rothko wrote: »

Don't think anyone was offended by it.

I didn’t mean here. Actually comments here are very measured, I’m talking about the general public. Love ken Doherty but he seems to be taking the comments to heart calling them derogatory etc.

Bobblehats · 10-08-2020 5:40pm

Stevieluvsye wrote: »

Such anger

Move on to John Higgins, gent of the highest order and he loves the Irish

Had a brief dalliance with him already. Now I’m onto thee ginger harbriger

Stevieluvsye · 10-08-2020 5:44pm

Bobblehats wrote: »

Had a brief dalliance with him already. Now I’m onto thee ginger harbriger

Don't like him

On a side note, snooker clubs have pretty much been eridicated from Dublin over the last twenty years. Used to love playing amateur snooker in Division 2.

There used to be 4 or 5 in Tallaght alone.

Belgard, Blacks, Kusanta, Leisure Centre, Spawell and Q's over in Clondalkin. All gone now.

Bobblehats · 10-08-2020 5:46pm

Stevieluvsye wrote: »

DBelgard, Blacks, Kusanta, Leisure Centre, Spawell and Q's over in Clondalkin. All gone now.

Castle billiards; potters.....all gone

Stevieluvsye · 10-08-2020 5:48pm

Bobblehats wrote: »

Castle billiards; potters.....all gone

Played league games in both clubs. Gives me an idea what area you are from; )

Sackville in town another that's gone. More social clubs have them now. ALSAA and Roadstone i know of for sure

Rows Grower · 10-08-2020 6:29pm

He's 4 to 1 now to win the tournament, he won't be too impressed if he finds that out.

The Tetrarch · 10-08-2020 6:34pm

Ronnie says what he thinks.
The others think it and don't say it.
I don't want a "Thank you, Mr Eastwood" character.

ronivek · 10-08-2020 6:40pm

Undoubtedly a great snooker player but he's a fairly awful competitor and a bit of an all round twat at times.

I do wonder how many young people are playing snooker as opposed to getting involved in e-sports and streaming and so on these days though; and how long the game might survive as a spectacle.

faffingaround · 10-08-2020 7:15pm

He’s been acting the maggot since the 90’s and the sport is all the better for it! The characters(level of interest?/ high standards?!) from the 80’s and 90’s are long gone and Barry Hearn and co. still need him badly. For publicity purposes nearly more than anything.

I hate the cliche but after reading some of his autobiographies he has had a troubled childhood. Cheeky chappy and son of a murderer(courts noted it was racial) and porn baroness! Was never going to be fully right! He was f***ed up from pressure, depression and certainly cannabis from an early age.

However the idea that he is a McGregor/Kygrios type figure is a joke! Absolute genius and best player ever which is backed up by his 19 triple crown titles(World, Masters and Uk). This is 1 more than Hendry and 4 more than Davis which says a lot!

andekwarhola · 10-08-2020 8:07pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Yes and no, really. There are a huge number of people playing the sport worldwide, far greater numbers than ever, just the anticipated surge of real quality players from the east hasnt happened yet. Maybe take another generation for that balance to swing, but I'm inclined to think it must do.

Obviously my knowledge is annecdotal, but I thought the comment about pool halls was interesting. I hadn't really thought about it but I definitely don't see the same use around in my kids' peer groups these days or even pool halls around generally, even in pubs. The two city centre halls I remember most from my teens-30s are long gone now.

From what I observe with my own kids and their friends, the internet and gaming doesn't seem to affect them concurrently heavily participating in stuff like field sports or martial arts half as much as people say it does, but I've always wondered (as somebody that doesn't really follow it) how the changing times would affect participation in the current young generation with stuff like snooker, darts etc.

Joe_ Public · 10-08-2020 8:47pm

andekwarhola wrote: »

Obviously my knowledge is annecdotal, but I thought the comment about pool halls was interesting. I hadn't really thought about it but I definitely don't see the same use around in my kids' peer groups these days or even pool halls around generally, even in pubs. The two city centre halls I remember most from my teens-30s are long gone now.

From what I observe with my own kids and their friends, the internet and gaming doesn't seem to affect them concurrently heavily participating in stuff like field sports or martial arts half as much as people say it does, but I've always wondered (as somebody that doesn't really follow it) how the changing times would affect participation in the current young generation with stuff like snooker, darts etc.

Yes, obviously there is a big issue with numbers playing here and the uk. But my comment was referencing the spread of the sport globally over the past 20-30 years. There are far more people playing snooker in china now than ever played in the uk at its peak. It is growing in europe too. This might take more time to transform the professional game, maybe another generation but i dont see why it shouldn't happen.

US2 · 10-08-2020 9:10pm

Not sure why this interview has gathered so much attention, Ronnie says things like that regularly. He's constantly complaining on twitter about having to turn up and beat "numptys" in the qualifying rounds or some tour events.

rob316 · 10-08-2020 9:25pm

He's a character in age of where professionalism seems to be so important. Spot on in saying what he said, it's a dying game and the kids coming through are poor.

Muahahaha · 10-08-2020 11:14pm

Didnt John Higgins get caught match fixing a few years back and some other funny business with Barry Hearn? How come Higgins wasnt banned?

joeguevara · 10-08-2020 11:16pm

Muahahaha wrote: »

Didnt John Higgins get caught match fixing a few years back and some other funny business with Barry Hearn? How come Higgins wasnt banned?

He was banned for 6 months,

He was cleared of match fixing and an interesting story about the Russian mafia.

Ronnie O Sullivan

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