list of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s rivals ganging up at the Championship and Mark Selby shocking statement on him

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s return to the table at the Players Championship today has sparked discussions among his rivals, who are casting doubt on his form this season. After opting to skip last week’s Welsh Open due to nerves, O’Sullivan is set to face Zhou Yuelong in the last-16 at the Telford International Center.

While his absence from Llandudno may have raised eyebrows, it has done little to dim the brilliance of his season so far. The 48-year-old has already clinched victories at both the UK Championship and Masters, placing him on the brink of completing a remarkable feat of winning all three Triple Crown events in a single season. His next opportunity to achieve this historic treble will come at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, beginning on April 20.

In the 2023/24 season, O’Sullivan also added the World Grand Prix and the Shanghai Masters to his list of triumphs. However, Neil Robertson recently commented on the World No. 1’s performances, suggesting that despite his inconsistencies, O’Sullivan has managed to maintain his winning streak due to opponents’ mistakes.

“Ronnie has played pretty awful lately, but he’s been able to keep winning because people are missing blacks off the spot, pinks off the spot,” remarked Robertson. “He’s earned that reputation of being brilliant this season even though he’s played dreadful. He’s even joked about it himself, he’s almost laughing about it, people can’t handle him.”

Despite not qualifying for the Players Championship, Mark Selby, who will face Barry Hawkins in his first match, has echoed Robertson’s sentiments. He believes that O’Sullivan’s aura alone is enough to unnerve opponents and affect their performance on the table.

“If you draw Ronnie in a comp you know he’s won the last three tournaments so straight away you know he’s playing well,” Selby stated. “Although I agree with Neil, I don’t think he’s played at his best in a lot of the tournaments. But he’s created that aura himself with what he’s achieved in his career.”

As O’Sullivan prepares to take on Zhou Yuelong and continue his pursuit of snooker greatness, the doubts surrounding his form only serve to add intrigue to his matches, making every encounter a spectacle for fans and players alike. Whether he’s at his prime or not, O’Sullivan’s presence alone commands respect and admiration, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.