Ronnie O'Sullivan has been told he has lost his fear factor as he chases his first tournament win in almost three years. The seven-time world champion's last title came in early 2024, and he has since dropped to 14th in the world rankings after a run to the final of last year's Saudi Arabia Masters, where he lost to Neil Robertson.
Rankings slide and qualifying threat
His title drought, combined with sporadic tournament appearances, has seen him slide down the rankings. If he drops outside the top 16, he will be forced to qualify for tournaments. There were glimpses of his old form at the recent Shanghai Masters, where he made three centuries in a row against Kyren Wilson, only to lose their second-round tie 6-4.
O'Sullivan is currently competing at the China Open in Taiyuan, where he faces Noppon Saengkham in the second round on Wednesday.
Fear factor gone, says Hallworth
According to world number 75 and commentator Steven Hallworth, players no longer fear O'Sullivan. Speaking on the WST Snooker Club podcast, Hallworth said: "I think he's probably just lacking that edge now. That fear factor is gone, really, for Ronnie."
He added: "You look at that little spell against Kyren, three centuries in a row. I think gone are the years now of Ronnie doing that against somebody and the player just completely collapsing, wilting and just falling aside. The players are used to seeing that. They're seeing that day-in, day-out in practice and in qualifiers. It's not uncommon now and the response comes, eventually, from the other guys. I just think that edge is lacking."
O'Sullivan eyes eighth world title
O'Sullivan has been his own biggest critic in recent times but is determined to play on as he chases an eighth world title, which would take him ahead of fellow great Stephen Hendry. Speaking at the Shanghai Masters, he said: "I'd love to win another World Championship. I have two attempts at it. If I can find a bit of cueing or some form at Sheffield, you never know. If I don't do it this year or the next it will definitely never happen. I'm happy with my career and how things have gone."
He also acknowledged his age, adding: "I'm 50 now and if I play for two hours, I then have to lie down for two or three hours. It is very hard for me. OK, you don't have to run around a football pitch but mentally you have to concentrate. When you are younger you can do that for hour upon hour."
