Ronnie O’Sullivan says he is now confident enough not to have to worry about going behind after booking his place in the semi-finals of the Players Championship. The ‘Rocket’ found himself 2-0 down against Ding Junhui on Wednesday but showed no signs of a panic as he eventually ran out the 6-3 victor. Either Neil Robertson or Judd Trump await in the next round but whoever O’Sullivan faces, he will expect to progress Llandudno.
Despite only keeping a limited playing schedule, the 42-year-old has still won four titles this season, while also lost out in the finals of the Hong Kong Masters and Champion of Champions. His three centuries on Wednesday took his tally to 67 for the season and he is now on 941 for his career. Two of those came in the final two frames against Ding and the five-time world champion admits he never had any doubts despite his early struggles. “I never worry about the scoreline because if I find some form, I can reel off four or five frames on the trot,” O’Sullivan told ITV. “It started off scrappily but I told myself to play like it was an in an exhibition, to have fun and go for my shots.
On his quest for the landmark tally he added: “I am trying to get to 1,000 centuries in my career. I am trying harder with each century I make. Maybe I can get there by the end of next season if I can keep it up.” O’Sullivan is yet to confirm whether or not he will play at the upcoming World Championships but is the 3/1 for a sixth title, with reigning champion Mark Selby 9/2.