Ronnie O'Sullivan goads snooker's next generation - "They still can't beat me"

14 January 2024 , 08:11

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Ronnie O'Sullivan has taken aim at his junior rivals

Ronnie O'Sullivan goaded his younger rivals after making the Masters final, claiming "they still can't beat me".

The 48-year-old saw off Shaun Murphy 6-2 to reach the final of this event for the 14th time as he continues to defy his age. O'Sullivan will now play Ali Carter in Sunday's final as he looks to become the oldest ever winner of the tournament.

Success in the Masters would see him claim a record-extending eighth title having last won it in 2017. Despite the emergence of new talent, O'Sullivan has remained at the top of the sport and the outspoken star has poked fun at those trying to topple him.

He said: "I don’t feel that old. I feel a lot younger around the table when I’m playing these younger players. They look old and their brains are quite slow. I feel like my brain is pretty quick around the snooker table, which is enough. I can’t pot as well as these guys but I can make breaks among the balls and that’s giving me a chance."

O'Sullivan also added: "They need to get their acts together because I’m going blind, have got a dodgy arm, bad knees and they still can’t beat me. But I don’t care about numbers or records. I’ve got them all anyway."

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Should O’Sullivan add a 23rd Triple Crown title to his collection, he would also become the oldest winner of all three of snooker’s most prestigious events. Murphy has already suggested that the title could be handed over to O'Sullivan, such is his level.

"He was too good — simple as that," he said. "I’m disappointed but I gave it everything. Ronnie was superb and if he plays like that on Sunday you may as well give him the trophy now."

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The Rocket's efforts are taking place at Ally Pally, which has just hosted the World Darts Championship. O'Sullivan didn't hold back in his assessment of the venue and was keen to depart as soon as possible.

"I just don't like this place. I find it disgusting," he said earlier this week. "Everywhere is dirty. It's cold. It's freezing, I have to wear my coat everywhere. You go through car parks. There are bins. Honestly, it just makes me feel ill. I'm a bit of a clean freak and when I come in here it gives me the heebie-jeebies. I just can't wait to get out of here."

O'Sullivan, despite making more history, maintains that his main focus is not on creating records: “Not really buzzed by that," he added.

"I just enjoy my time, I've got a good schedule, I like playing the events I play. It's a job at the end of the day. I've tried to think of other things to do but maybe now - I'm not really chasing records. I am not bothered by numbers, I'm just trying to enjoy it.”

Samuel Meade