Ronnie O'Sullivan showcased his enduring class and prowess on the green baize, securing a commanding 13-7 victory over Ryan Day in the last-16 tie at the 2024 World Snooker Championship. 

The match unfolded in three gripping sessions, each punctuated with moments of brilliance from both players, but ultimately, it was the legendary O'Sullivan who prevailed with his trademark flair and precision.

In the aftermath of his victory, O'Sullivan provided insights into the unique challenges young players face in breaking through in the world of snooker, drawing comparisons to other sports, notably darts, and highlighting the exceptional rise of Luke Littler in the realm of darts.

O'Sullivan pointed out the stark differences in complexity between snooker and darts, emphasising the intricate nature of snooker shots compared to the relative simplicity of throwing a dart. 

"With snooker, there's so many in-between shots, there's so much to learn, there's so much safety," O'Sullivan told SportsBoom.com. "In darts, once you get the action right, it should in theory go where you want." This fundamental contrast underscores the immense skill required to excel in snooker, making breakthroughs more challenging for young talents.

Image credit: WST

Experience emerged as a crucial factor in O'Sullivan's analysis of snooker's difficulty. Reflecting on his own journey, he highlighted the mental fortitude and strategic prowess demanded by the sport. "Steve Peters [his psychiatrist] taught me to have a better head.  There’s so much to this game that young players need to learn," O'Sullivan stated. He underscored the endurance required, highlighting the gruelling nature of snooker matches compared to other sports like darts. 

"If you make it to the final here, you’re playing one match for maybe around 10 hours. Whereas in darts, you’re only playing for maybe an hour to two hours. It’s really different," O'Sullivan explained, shedding light on the mental and physical challenges unique to snooker.

Delving into the psychological aspect of snooker, the solitary nature of the sport and the mental pressure it entails become apparent. Unlike in darts, where players have immediate opportunities to respond, snooker demands players to sit back on their own, watching their opponent clear up the table. 

A single mistake in snooker can result in conceding a frame, significantly amplifying the mental strain on players. This highlights the need for young snooker players to develop not only technical proficiency but also mental resilience to be able to fight your own thoughts, as well as your opponent. 

Image credit: WST