Ronnie O’Sullivan to use exhibitions to sharpen game before World Snooker Championships after shock World Open exit
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN plans to use exhibitions to sharpen his game before the Crucible.
The world No 1 exited the last 16 of the World Open as he lost to Hossein Vafaei 5-4 in Yushan.
Iranian Vafaei, 29, came from 63-37 down in the final frame, sealing the victory only on the last colour after O’Sullivan missed a routine black.
The Rocket, 48, is his own worst critic and rates his technique and execution over the past two years — since he was King of Sheffield — as only “four or five out of ten”.
To win a record eighth world crown this spring, O’Sullivan will engage in some friendly fire.
He said: “It wasn’t meant to be. A lot of stuff is fate.
“Usually 99 times out of 100, the better player usually wins. That’s how the match unfolds.
“He deserved his victory, he played better snooker. Disappointing I didn’t play well enough to win.
“I’m doing some exhibitions in Hong Kong. I’m coming back to China in May doing a tour.
“I’m trying to figure out why I’m not feeling good out there when I’m playing.
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“I’m winning, I’m competing but I’m not striking the ball well. I think I play better if I know I’m doing more exhibitions.
“I learn to relax in front of a crowd. It’s hard when you’re playing matches against very good players all the time. You’re competing for ranking points.
“I need to figure out a way to find my game again.”