Ronnie O’Sullivan wants to reclaim his crown as “king of snooker” at prestigious Shanghai Masters

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Ronnie O’Sullivan admits he would love to reclaim his crown as “king of snooker” at next week’s Shanghai Masters.

The snooker GOAT is set to return to competitive action at the elite event for the first time since losing 17-7 to Zhao Xintong in the semi-finals of the World Championship with a new cue in May.

The seven-time world champion has been practicing in Hong Kong ahead of his quest for a record-extending sixth Shanghai title. The tournament starts on Monday, and is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
“My whole life I’ve been preparing to be the best I can be, so obviously you have to practice and keep sharp, but I’m ready all the time,” O’Sullivan told reporters.

“I work very hard to become the king of snooker, but there’s many, many, very, very good players like Zhao Xintong, world champion. [He is a] fantastic player.

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Watch O’Sullivan’s best shots of 2024

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“I like to still be able to compete with these young guys who are very, very good. I feel blessed.”

O’Sullivan could be handed the chance to gain a measure of revenge against Zhao in Shanghai.

The invitational competition involves the top 16 in the world rankings with the four highest-ranked Chinese players and four amateur wild cards making up the 24-player field.

O’Sullivan is seeded through to the last 16 and will play Barry Hawkins or Wu Yize next Wednesday, as he aims for a sixth victory at the event.

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Ronnie O’Sullivan is aiming for glory in Shanghai

Image credit: AFP

The winner of that match is in line to meet world No. 2 Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals, with Zhao a possible opponent in the semi-finals.

World No. 1 Judd Trump is defending champion, following his fine 11-5 win over Shaun Murphy in last year’s final.

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