Ronnie O’Sullivan says he’s enjoying snooker more than he has in over a decade after surviving a tense first-round battle at the International Championship in Nanjing. The seven-time world champion edged past Allan Taylor 6–5, producing four century breaks (100, 119, 129, and 128) to advance in style.
At 49, O’Sullivan is carefully managing his schedule this season, this was only his fourth event after appearances at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, Xi’an Grand Prix, and Shanghai Masters. Despite his selective participation, his form remains sharp, and his enthusiasm for the game has clearly returned.
“I’m enjoying playing more than I have for maybe over ten years,” O’Sullivan told TNT Sports. “When you’re cueing well, it doesn’t feel like a grind. I’d have been disappointed to lose today not because Allan didn’t deserve it, but because I’m really enjoying the game right now.”
The Rocket credited his good rhythm and crowd connection for lifting the atmosphere in the arena. “When I start cueing well, the crowd gets into it. It raises the temperature a little,” he added.
O’Sullivan now faces Sanderson Lam in the second round, with a possible third-round meeting against Jack Lisowski, who recently captured his first ranking title at the Northern Ireland Open. TNT Sports pundit Alan McManus noted that both O’Sullivan and Lisowski share an “X factor” that makes their matches must-watch entertainment.
Fans can stream every match of the 2025/26 snooker season, including the International Championship, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Be the first to comment