O’Sullivan Rocketing Towards Glory: 6-2 Lead Over Higgins Puts Record-Breaking 8th World Title in His Sights
Alan McManus has a strong belief that Ronnie O’Sullivan, if he continues his blistering form from the opening session of his second-round match against John Higgins, could very well be the favorite to lift the World Championship title this year. In the intense first session at The Crucible, O’Sullivan stormed to a commanding 6-2 lead, closing in on his eighth World Championship victory—something that would cement his legacy even further.
McManus, an experienced commentator, noted that O’Sullivan’s consistency and precision were on full display, particularly in the way he adjusted his play during the match. He emphasized that while O’Sullivan had moments of caution in his game, he was meticulous in his approach, and once he found his rhythm, there was no stopping him. His ability to dominate when in full flow is what McManus sees as a dangerous weapon in O’Sullivan’s arsenal, making him a clear frontrunner for the title if he keeps this up.
O’Sullivan’s opening session was a showcase of his best snooker. He began with a break of 86, followed by a near-perfect 82, and then proceeded with a spectacular 137 and a solid 95. These sequences gave him a decisive lead, despite Higgins managing to claw back a couple of frames. McManus suggested that O’Sullivan’s lead could have been even more dominant if not for some good fortune on Higgins’ part, particularly in the second frame when O’Sullivan missed an easy pink that could have extended his lead to 7-1.
Former snooker great Jimmy White also weighed in, praising O’Sullivan’s level of play. White, who has seen O’Sullivan’s game evolve over the years, noted that the Rocket’s ability to settle into a match and dictate its pace makes him one of the most dangerous frontrunners in the history of the sport. Even though O’Sullivan started slightly nervy, his composure and cueing quality began to shine through as the match progressed, with White confidently stating that once O’Sullivan settles into a rhythm, he’s nearly impossible to beat.
Social media users have also taken notice of O’Sullivan’s form. A fan on Twitter remarked that this year, O’Sullivan seems to have a new hunger, a different mindset that suggests he’s determined to prove his doubters wrong and claim yet another World Championship title. The fan, named Myles S, expressed the sentiment that with this attitude, O’Sullivan is an unstoppable force this year, and the only player who might challenge him is the current standout Zhao Xintong. O’Sullivan’s current form has some speculating that he is indeed “silencing the haters” and that this could be his year.
With O’Sullivan’s form and focus seemingly at their peak, the rest of the field will have to raise their game if they hope to prevent him from claiming another world title.
