John Parrott has urged snooker fans not to believe Ronnie O'Sullivan's claims that he does not practice, following the 46-year-old's historic seventh world title at The Crucible on Monday night. O'Sullivan defeated Judd Trump 18-11 to equal Stephen Hendry's record of seven world championships, prompting an emotional embrace with his opponent and family.
Despite his sublime performance, O'Sullivan has long maintained a nonchalant attitude towards practice, a notion that BBC pundit and 1991 world champion Parrott dismissed live on air. 'Don't listen to him saying he doesn't practice,' Parrott said. 'He is in the club grafting like a Trojan, he puts the hours in and he wants to win.'
O'Sullivan, who labelled the victory his 'greatest' and confirmed he will return in 2023 to target an eighth title, also received high praise from Parrott regarding his place in snooker history. 'You will never see anyone like him again. He's the best player I've ever seen,' Parrott added. 'His cue ball control is at another level. He is on another level to anyone who has played this game.'
Parrott compared O'Sullivan to Tiger Woods, noting his 21 Triple Crown titles and record for the most matches won at a World Snooker Championship. 'He is the most talented sportsman in Britain. This is Tiger Woods level,' Parrott said. 'He has 21 majors, seven in all of the big ones, and plays to a level a lot of players can never aspire to.'
O'Sullivan's colourful antics also made headlines, including a reprimand for a lewd gesture in his first-round match, a joke about taking a hairdryer into the final after sitting on a wet seat, and frequent arguments with the match referee. However, his scintillating play remained the overriding story as he secured his seventh world crown.
