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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Turnbull

"I don't want to be defined by Snooker" Ronnie O'Sullivan opens up on his care-free approach

Seven times Masters Snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan says he 'does not want to be defined by snooker' following his 1st round win at the prestigious event at London's Alexandra Palace. O'Sullivan beat talented Belgian Luca Brecel 6-1 in a glittering display that included two century breaks.

In an interview immediately after the match O'Sullivan said 'When I say I don't care I mean I've got my life in perspective. I don't want to be defined by Snooker or disappointed by it, I think I've enjoyed the last 10-12 years of my career more than I ever have. I wish i'd have done it years ago.'

READ MORE: Ronnie O'Sullivan issues opinion on snooker's match-fixing probe as chiefs hit back

Whilst speaking to the BBC O'Sullivan opened up on his approach to the game, 'I've spent years getting disappointed by it and so now I try not to get disappointed and it's freed me up a bit'.

'I'm still competitive. If I take up anything I'd always want to be better, that's just natural. So the players can expect me to keep coming for more. I ain't going away just yet.'

O'Sullivan's quest for an 8th masters title is well on course and has been handed a boost with early exits for previous champions Neil Robertson, Mark Selby and John Higgins. O'Sullivan will play either Mark Williams or David Gilbert in the quarter-finals.

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