Neil Robertson might see Ronnie O’Sullivan’s world title bid as supersonic due to O’Sullivan’s exceptional skills and unpredictable playing style, making each match a thrilling and unpredictable experience.
Because of worries over an increase in Covid-19 infection rates, the UK government has prohibited supporters from attending the biggest snooker event until at least August 15th. Spectators will also not be permitted to attend other pilot sporting events for a minimum of two weeks.
Barry Hearn, the chairman of the World Snooker Tour, is still hopeful that the public will be able to see the best-of-35 frames final when it takes place on August 15 and 16.
Five-time champion O’Sullivan, who said players were being treated like “lab rats” when WST announced the event will go at a third of its capacity at the 981-seat venue in Sheffield, is sure to be happy to hear the news, according to Australia’s top player Robertson.
The Crucible was opened to spectators on the first day, but the tournament was put behind closed doors on Saturday. Melburnian Robertson thinks that O’Sullivan has the best chance of earning a sixth world title since he lost the 2014 final to Mark Selby, 18-14.
Diehard Chelsea supporter Robertson thinks Essex player O’Sullivan’s bid for the world title is more than definitely maybe, comparing Oasis—who are ardent Manchester City fans—and Gallagher brothers lookalike O’Sullivan to City in the Premier League. Robertson said, “I think he would have preferred playing in front of no crowd.”It’s like seeing Liverpool and Manchester City play just after the reset, in my opinion.
“Man City is without a doubt the greatest team and would win the Premier League every year if you take away the fans from football.”Liverpool loves a good crowd. Ronnie merely plays if the crowd is removed from him. There isn’t any pressure. It will resemble him working out. When it comes to playing the game and how he plays it, he is without a doubt the finest.
It can sometimes make you play really well or not so well. It will be much more laid back for him this year than previous years, which will definitely fit him given the high expectations he receives from the public and the media.”
Robertson knows he faces a difficult task to win this year, starting and finishing against former English Open champion Liang Wenbo on Sunday. He may face 2013 finalist Barry Hawkins in the second round, and former winners Mark Selby or Shaun Murphy in the last eight before facing O’Sullivan in the semi-final.
The lower portion is harsh,” Robertson said. “On paper, one half appears to be much harder than the other, but you never really know because upsets can occur and draws can open up again as the matches progress.”I believe you need to focus on and win the first round match.
Robertson went on to comment, “You can never say this player should have won it three times or twice,” in reference to his recent performance at the event during the previous ten years.
The fact that he hasn’t made it to the semifinals since 2014 (when he was defeated by Selby 17–15) surprises me.
“That statistic is the most unexpected. In the past nine years, I’ve made it to three semi-finals. That’s probably the discouraging part for someone like me who enjoys playing longer distance matches. “I can’t make excuses any more,” I say. With the greater distance matches, I’ve grown a little too carefree. It will be crucial to prioritize safety.”
