Mark Williams Advises Ronnie O’Sullivan on Winning Tournaments Again

Mark Williams, a prominent figure in snooker, has recently shared his insights regarding Ronnie O’Sullivan’s current performance and strategies for success. As the highest-ranked among the Class of 92, Williams believes he has surpassed O’Sullivan and John Higgins in consistency and performance in recent years.

Age and Performance: A New Perspective

This week, O’Sullivan will celebrate his 50th birthday, joining his fellow legends Williams and Higgins, both of whom have already crossed that milestone. Despite their age, all three players remain competitive, holding the fourth, fifth, and sixth spots in the world rankings, respectively.

Recent Tournament Success

In the current season, Williams stands out as the only one among the three to have won a tournament, claiming victory at the Xi’an Grand Prix in October. In contrast, O’Sullivan and Higgins are yet to secure any titles this season.

• O’Sullivan last won a ranking title at the World Grand Prix in January 2024.
• His last tournament win occurred at the World Masters of Snooker in March of the previous year.
• Higgins, despite earlier successes in the year, has faced challenges recently.

Strategic Mindset for Success

Williams attributes his recent success to a more adaptable mindset. He believes that he has lowered his expectations, which allows him to cope better with mistakes. This approach contrasts with O’Sullivan and Higgins, who he feels may struggle under high expectations.

In a recent interview with TNT Sports, Williams remarked on the longevity of their careers, stating, “It’s unbelievable… I think the last five or six years maybe I’m a little bit better than the other two.” He emphasized accepting the inevitability of mistakes, particularly as age progresses.

Advice for O’Sullivan

To aid O’Sullivan’s return to form, Williams suggests embracing errors as part of the game. He believes that once O’Sullivan comes to terms with occasional missed shots, he will find his winning rhythm again. Williams stated, “If I miss a sitter I don’t really care, but especially Ronnie… he can’t believe he misses.”

Match Readiness and Competition

O’Sullivan’s reduced playing schedule has come under scrutiny. His friend, Jimmy White, noted that this lack of participation may hinder O’Sullivan’s match sharpness. White remarked on O’Sullivan’s impressive performance in Saudi Arabia, where he achieved two maximum breaks, reaffirming that his skills remain intact.

Upcoming Matches

As the UK Championship progresses, both Williams and Higgins have advanced past the first round. Williams triumphed over Dave Gilbert, while Higgins defeated Ben Woollaston. Looking ahead, Williams will face Pang Junxu. Meanwhile, O’Sullivan is scheduled to compete against Zhou Yuelong as he aims to return to winning form.

In conclusion, Mark Williams has provided valuable insights into the mindset and adjustments needed for Ronnie O’Sullivan to reclaim his winning status in snooker tournaments. As the three legendary players continue to compete at high levels, the world of snooker watches eagerly.