Ronnie O’Sullivan ‘likes to be centre of attention’, says Judd Trump as he sends message to snooker rival
JUDD TRUMP has declared that Ronnie O’Sullivan is someone “that likes to be centre of attention” as he revealed he wants the snooker legend to stick around.
O’Sullivan, 48, hinted that he may be considering retirement after being left frustrated with his game.
Things have gotten so bad that the Rocket has even resorted to playing with his left hand for the first time in 15 years in an attempt to rediscover his mojo.
However, World No1 Trump has urged his rival to tough it out, even though his retirement would mean a clearer path to titles.
Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabia Masters, the 35-year-old said: “I think it’s good for me that he’s still got that fight in him.
“I think he’s someone that does like to be the centre of attention.
“I think if I’m someone who’s winning these tournaments as well, he won’t want to step away and let me take all the limelight.
“If everyone else was nicking one or two tournaments a year he could settle, but no-one’s really making the headlines.”
Trump and O’Sullivan have always shared a deep respect for each other over their 18 years on the circuit together, first facing off back when Trump was a teenager.
O’Sullivan, who wants to finally surpass Stephen Hendry to win an eighth world snooker championship title, was choked up when he recalled some of Trump’s kind words to him previously.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
He revealed last year that the pair used to practice together in London, saying: “Me and Judd practised in the same facility and then Judd came down to London when he was about 18/19 [years old], we used to practice in the same sort of place.
“I think he kind of was watching and learning how I did my practice, what I practised.
“He even said it to me when he decided to go back up to Bristol. I said: ‘Why are you doing that?’. And he went: ‘I learnt all I needed to learn off you, the job was done’.
“He said: ‘I knew there was nothing left for me to learn, so it’s time for me to go back to my family in Bristol’. You know, that means a lot. I didn’t realise I had that impact on him.”
Both players are hoping to claim the top prize of £500,000 at the Saudi Masters taking place this week.
O’Sullivan will face one of Joe O’Connor or Lel Peifan in his opening match, while Trump will take on either Stephen Maguire or Wu Yize.
Inside Ronnie's colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O'Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
The seven-time world champion makes almost as big an impact away from the table as on it.
O’Sullivan has three children – two daughters and a son.
And the Rocket’s on-off relationship with British actress Laila Rouass has also hit the headlines.
He has opened up on battles with his weight and addiction.
While the controversial cueist reckons he wasted NINE YEARS of his career by partying too hard.
Despite being worth £14million, O’Sullivan is renowned for his love of canal boats and snubbing flashy cars.
His rivalry with fellow star Judd Trump has been branded ‘snooker’s greatest feud’.
And Ali Carter had his nose knocked out of joint by the Rocket in their infamous ‘Snotgate’ row.
Check out all our latest Ronnie O’Sullivan articles.