Ronnie O’Sullivan admits he does not mind how he is playing, as long as he wins, after booking his place in the last 16 of the UK Championship. On the occasion of his 42nd birthday, the Rocket was far from his best on Tuesday but still managed to manufacture a 6-1 victory over Michael White. An early 132 suggested the world number four was ready to take his opponent apart but neither found any real rhythm. However, it was the Englishman who triumphed, eventually wrapping things up with a 65.
O’Sullivan is aiming to match Steve Davis’ record of six UK Championship titles and will next face Thailand’s Akani Songsermsawad on Thursday. The 22-year-old caused an upset by outclassing Barry Hawkins 6-0 on Tuesday but it is O’Sullivan who is the 1/14 favourite to win, with his opponent 13/2. Speaking after the match, he admitted he was far from at his best against the beleaguered Welshman, but conceded that he did not mind because he came out on the right side of the result.
“He struggled and I scrambled a bit better than he did,” he told the BBC. “I wasn’t brilliant but some people scramble better than others when they need to, and I was able to do that. “You could see Michael struggling out there and the more you miss the harder it gets. I kind of felt for him. He’s a good lad and he loves the game and it was frustrating for him.” “I want to play well and do well but if I don’t, I don’t care. have other more important stuff to do.”
UK Championship odds available at Dafabet.