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Ronnie O'Sullivan Delivers One Of The Most Brutal Interviews In Sport History
Ronnie O'Sullivan claimed that the young players in snooker weren't good enough to be amateurs, as he delivered the most brutal put down in sport.
The legendary O'Sullivan faced China's Ding Junhui in an excellent second round tie at the 2020 World Championship, beating the Chinese player 13-10 on Sunday evening.
That win set up a quarter final with fellow legend Mark Williams, with the two men having won a combined eight world titles, playing in 51 World Championships between them and have a combined age of 89.
Asked about the surprise of the two old timers reaching the quarters, O'Sullivan, in typical fashion, didn't hold back.
Certainly the tournament is lacking good up and comers with O'Sullivan and Williams joined by other familiar names in the final eight.
The winner of their quarter will meet either Mark Selby or Neil Robertson, two other former winners, whilst the top half sees defending champion Judd Trump take on Kyren Wilson and surprise package Kurt Maflin will take on either Anthony McGill or Jamie Clarke. At 25 Clarke is the youngest man left in the tournament currently.
Understandably O'Sullivan's comments split opinion with some believing that his forthright attitude was enjoyable and others thinking he was being disrespectful.
That post match interview by Ronnie O'Sullivan then was absolutely fucking fantastic :joy: When asked if he thought he'd still be playing after 25 years: "I'd have to lose an arm and a leg to drop out of the top 50. The standard of the young players coming through now is so bad.":joy:
- Luke Aaron Moore (@lukeaaronmoore) August 9, 2020
#Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest player by far . I've watched you for a quarter of a century and you are a genius on the table . And a hero to all of the young up and coming players . But some of your comments tonight were a little distasteful . Never forget where you come from
- James Coleman (@JamesCo43680889) August 9, 2020
"Ronnie O'Sullivan"
- liontamer (@LiontamerStuart) August 9, 2020
Ronnie Manager right now .. pic.twitter.com/dTuZfAJLX0
Ronnie O'Sullivan is brilliant. Refreshing to see a top sportsman not give boring, generic answers to interview questions :joy: https://t.co/db7hW4ZZ7H
- Nick Cosnett (@NCosnett) August 9, 2020
@BBCSport Ronnie O'Sullivan comments in the interview after ding win . Ametuer players are poor . Would have to loose a arm and a leg to be below top 50 ranking so everyone is so bad below him . Disrespectful comments !!
- Mark (@Mark09597942) August 9, 2020
Ronnie O'Sullivan is speaking the truth. If anyone has watched the standard of Snooker during the 1990s and 2000s when the Class of 92 were in their prime along with many other youngsters, you would know whatever the current crop is isn't anything close to them.
- Aizen (@Aizen922) August 9, 2020
That interview with Ronnie O'Sullivan was a bit much tbh.
- Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) August 9, 2020
Ronnie O'Sullivan's PR person right now #bbcsnooker #SnookerWorldChamps pic.twitter.com/jUci7ZdOwK
- Paul Britter (@BrutalTripe) August 9, 2020
#bbcsnooker #bbcsnooker Ronnie O'Sullivan has always talked utter nonsense in his post match interviews and never more so than today. He should stick to what he does best, playing snooker and leave talking to the professionals.
- Gillian Green (@GillyVanilli) August 9, 2020
It's very much in keeping with the general attitudes towards the 44-year-old. He is a fan favourite to many but others have become frustrated and annoyed with his behaviour both on and off the baize.
Despite being ranked sixth at this year's tournament, and still winning away from the World Championships, O'Sullivan hasn't been to the final since 2014 and hasn't won it since 2013, going out in the first two rounds in three of the previous four years.
Do you think O'Sullivan is right about the current crop of players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: BBC/PA
Topics: Ronnie O'Sullivan, snooker, Neil Robertson