Snooker legend Ronnie OโSullivan delivered a candid and brutally honest assessment of his own performance after grinding out a 5-3 victory in the opening round of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong on Wednesday night โ but not without visible signs of frustration during the match.
The seven-time world champion trailed early against Englandโs Joe OโConnor and looked visibly unsettled with his cue during the first half of the match. Despite calming down to win three frames in a row and secure the victory, OโSullivan didnโt hold back in his post-match reflections.
> โItโs just my bad is a lot badder than it used to be, and my good is not as good,โ the 50-year-old said, unflinchingly assessing where his game stands at this stage of his storied career. โThere was no rustiness โฆ Iโm just not a very good player anymore.โ
Frustration on the Table โ Cue Tip and Visible Struggles
During the match at the Kai Tak Arena, observers noted OโSullivan occasionally fussing with his cue tip โ a detail that can be a telltale sign of irritation or technical fine-tuning among elite players. While there are no verified reports today that he deliberately ripped off a cue tip immediately after the match, frustration over equipment is not unprecedented in his career. In fact, in a past event at the World Championship, footage appeared to show OโSullivan removing a tip mid-match to adjust his cue โ a move that earned him a brief break and mixed reactions.
That historical context helps explain why some fans suspect a dramatic gesture like ripping off a tip โ but the current reports do not confirm such an act took place at this Hong Kong event.
Emotional Moment: Tribute Amid the Competition
Adding to the emotional backdrop of the night, a momentโs silence was held before the evening session in memory of snooker commentator and former professional John Virgo, who passed away recently. OโSullivan later paid tribute on social media, calling Virgo a โgreat mateโ and expressing deep sorrow at the loss.
What Comes Next for โThe Rocketโ
With the win, OโSullivan progresses to face Xiao Guodong in the second round โ but his performance and comments have fueled a larger conversation about where the sportโs all-time great stands at this point in his career. After years of domination, this season has seen inconsistent results and self-questioning from the Rocket.
Despite his age and occasional frustrations, OโSullivan remains one of the most compelling figures in snooker, capable of brilliance on the table and raw honesty off it โ even when itโs directed at himself.
Quick Summary
OโSullivan won 5-3 in the first round of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.
He openly questioned his own level of play, saying his form isnโt what it used to be.
There are no confirmed reports today of him ripping off a cue tip post-match โ that element appears sensationalised.
He paid emotional tribute to the late John Virgo.
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