Five-timeWorld title winner, Ronnie O’Sullivan,was crushed with a 13-9 loss by StuartBingham in the quarter-finals of the World Championship at theCrucible in Sheffield. The 38 year-old fromBasildon, who is now in the semi-finals for the first time, played brilliantlyand was more motivated and eager to win, compared to the Rocket, who reachedthe quarter-finals for a 17th time in his career.
Throughoutthe tournament O’Sullivan looked a different player; he did not put a lot ofenthusiasm into his games, but has been a cause of some controversy at everyoccasion; during his second round meeting with Matthew Stevens he almost snappedhis cue, after missing an easy pot.
Healso made some rude gestures and was warned by referee. Also, during his first round match againstCraig Steadman, he complained about his shoes and played a frame in his socks,until asked to borrow a pair of shoes.
And on Tuesday, during the first session of his quarter-final gameagainst Bingham, O'Sullivan placed thechalk on the table to line up a shot, but somehow escaped unpunished forbreaking the rules.
So,is the Rocket losing focus and interest in the game?
Hestarted playing Snooker as a young boy and turned professional when he was 16. Hehas been a heavy favourite in any tournament, and one of the most successiveplayers in the history of sport, regarded by many as the greatest snooker player of all time.
The Rocket has been knownfor his entertaining and fast playing style, hence the nickname. However, he has also been known for his highperfectionism and punishing self-criticism, which could be very demandingphysically and mentally; in the last years he has repeatedly declared, onseveral occasions, his intention to leave the sport.
O’Sullivanis keen on other sports and hobbies; he supports Arsenal, is an enthusiasticrunner and likes motor racing and cooking. The last two hobbies earned him appearanceson BBC’s Top Gear and Saturday Kitchen programmes.
Hopefully,the Rocket will soon find a missing spark somewhere, and continue to play for manyyears to come.
