Ronnie O’Sullivan reflects on ‘marvellous’ season after World Championship exit

The Rocket lost the final seven frames of the match to Brecel as the Belgian Bullet prevailed 13-10 in an incredible contest at the Crucible.

It was an unlikely defeat for the world number one, but it has not ruined his season, which he has largely enjoyed, winning both the Champion of Champions and the Hong Kong Masters this campaign.

O’Sullivan admits that he was down for some time after winning his seventh world title last year, but once he had recovered from that low, he has had a good time.

‘I think it’s been marvellous. Lots of smiley faces,’ O’Sullivan said of his season. ‘It started off a bit miserable, I’ve got to be honest, I was on a bit of a comedown from the World Championships.

‘So I didn’t really feel like playing much. I knew why, so I just took some time off the practice table, played the tournaments, and I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve had a great season.

‘I judge my season on whether I was happy and I’ve been very happy.

‘May, June, July, August I just didn’t want to play, it was weird. I can only put that down to such a massive high. It might have been something else.

‘You go through periods like that, people fall in and out of love with what they’re doing. I just chose not to practice, took some time out and that was great.

‘I came back in January, put the time in and I’ve really enjoyed my practice and the tournaments I’ve played in.

‘Alright, I haven’t won as much but well-being, happiness, they’re the most important things. Snooker, that’s a bonus. If it goes great, I’ll take that. If it don’t go so great, alright. There’s always another tournament.’

MORE : ‘Drunk as hell’ – Luca Brecel reveals boozy preparation for stunning Ronnie O’Sullivan win

For more stories like this, check our sport page.