Ronnie O'Sullivan in honest interview on snooker, addictions and greatness

World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan speaks to Wayne Farry about having a life away from the snooker table, finding inner peace after dealing with addiction and what it really takes to be an all-time great… Spoiler alert: You have to put people in their place.
Having won 10-5 against qualifier David Gilbert on Saturday, Ronnie’s second-round match will be against No.15 seed Mark Allen. It will be played over three sessions starting on Friday 22 April 2022 at 10am.
You can see more of Ronnie at the World Championships on discovery+: www.discoveryplus.com/gb/spor...
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[@JOE_co_uk]

Watch Ronnie at the World Championships on discovery+: www.discoveryplus.com/gb/spor...

[@jamesgoing4527]

He's the greatest 20 majors 38 ranking titles the most centuries and 147s keeping hendry Higgins Williams Selby robbo ding trump at bay entertaining us for decades keeping sponsors happy and viewing figures up all on his own terms never been a slave to the game.... His aura and presence is unique nobody like him everything he does makes headlines for the sport his longevity is legendary and will be his lecacy 🦋🙏🇮🇪

[@byebyebadman2313]

You always get the real person when Ronnie gives an interview. If he's pissed off, feeling good, angry, happy, upbeat or downbeat... its always the real deal. A proper, decent man warts and all.

[@kop1986]

I always get an intense cringe feeling when I hear him talk no matter what mood he's in. Still love watching him play tho

[@shingomurata]

yeah that’s cause he ain’t the shiniest button on the tunic bless him but the way he’s spoken so differently in recent years he definitely has people around him whose bulbs don’t flicker helping him out with that

[@jimboslice375]

Im a Ronnie fan but the complete opposite is true haha he makes things up when he's bored and half the time what he says is the opposite of what the truth actually is..he flip flops all the time

[@predawnbobcat]

It's because he always speaks how he feels and it's refreshing to hear. He has a lot of intensity to him and it's visible when he speaks. Great sportsman with a killer instinct and he's found a way to keep that fire burning while he approaches his later years.

[@AliHussain-fz7pd]

It's nice to see him so at ease with himself, raw and open. He's got a lot to offer the game, and for his fans, the highs & lows have been real. He's just a monster talent and as far as punditry goes, they'll be hard pressed to replace him. What a journey.

[@mcloving6989]

I'm a huge Rocket fan .... met him a few times etc. Not in a bad way but to have his success in snooker along with the financial side of things these days ..... I'd be more concerned if he wasn't at ease, loving life n so on ...... I have the upmost respect for the rockets "one man protest" at the table on a few occasions. Like any "Job" if its not for you, speak up n get out kinda thing!

[@jezzaus2124]

As someone who has been playing snooker all my life, I find it astonishing how someone can be so good at it. We are very lucky and he seems ahead of his time, somehow.

[@thelimey351]

It's not a question of being ahead of his time, I doubt we'll see his like again, he just has the gift when it comes to cue ball control.

[@sleeplessinstockwell]

Ronnie is such a top guy these days. Very life-wise

[@bobhidley9037]

I'm an American fellow who has only played and understood billiards/pool in my youth. To me, Snooker was a peculiar version of pool, enjoyed by only UK blokes. Recently, being retired with time to spare, I decided to learn what this Snooker game is all about. With KZbin videos abound, I have become hooked! Fascinated! The legends of this sport, e.g., Ronnie O, Mark Selby and many others are my new idols. Moving on a bit further, I delved into the other predominately English sport of DARTS ! More of my hours are being soaked up on KZbin rooting for yet another collection of UK sportsmen! From this, I would suggest that Mr. O'Sullivan consider adding a new sport. Championship darts? Bob Hidley, Delaware, USA

[@ThreadsJack]

Really glad you have found a love for snooker lad. It will bring you loads of joy throughout the coming years

[@dublinsfaircity]

I love snooker but hate darts. Chalk and Cheese.

[@tommyjordan1988]

Good on you, Bob. Snooker and darts are my 2 great sporting loves. Glad to have you on board! From an avid UK fan.

[@georgecroney6168]

Any snooker player can play pool, not many pool players can play snooker.

[@predawnbobcat]

​@@georgecroney6168efren Reyes was the only pool player who was a dab hand at snooker too

[@michaelmike1515]

Ronnie "I found serenity and inner peace and I put that first" the pigeons agree...Talk about synchronicity and nature agreeing with what you said. Ronnie, you're amazing, on so many levels. 🙏💗☯️

[@TheGuitarRiot]

Ronnie, thanks so much for being Ronnie, for being yourself! Thanks for sharing your views and opinions, for being honest. Hoping to see you up there for as long as you wish. Respect.

[@stephenmullen7902]

7 time world champion 🐐

[@tb.21]

I don't think there's anyone in the snooker world that is more charismatic and down to earth as Ronnie, even if you don't like him you have to appreciate how open and honest he is

[@weSnooker]

One of Britain’s greatest sportsman and has more personality then any other British sportsman other then maybe fury.

[@hatesitrick]

yes exactly like Fury you're right, coz he constantly contradicts himself! The real difference between them though, is Fury doesn't slate young boxers coming through the ranks. Ronnie is awful to those people. He's got a terrible attitude and anyone who disagrees is being wilfully blind. He's the best though, will always watch him for his game. His attitude stinks. It's quite obvious a lot of the senior players don't like him. He comes out with constant guff. "I don't wana be remebered as a Snooker player" oh shut up you attention seeker. You know that isn't going to happen fuck off

[@hatesitrick]

p.s. I do give him a break sometimes coz I know he struggles with mental health issues, but he's rude af. Seeming less humble as the years go on.

[@gerardhale8443]

Hamilton

[@weSnooker]

@@gerardhale8443 seen more personality in a crisp then Hamilton

[@southpawboxing4265]

If throwing his toys out of the pram equates personality, then I guess he's got it all.

[@joconnor3567]

Terrific interview! Always enjoyed and marveled Ronnie’s ability. Now I appreciate and respect Ronnie. Thanks again.

[@zxr-cade2026]

I love how Ronnie is a fan of my hero the great Michael Schumacher and he’s also a fan of Ayrton Senna that’s amazing too Ronnie will always be a legend on his own right too and Snooker will be a lonely place without him

[@wartoga4248]

Ronnie will never be 'a' snooker player, but 'the' snooker player. Great place to be in, coming full circle to pure enjoyment of the game ...

[@goofe.washington953]

I’ve never seen an interview with O’Sullivan like this one. He didn’t seem to be “on” - he wasn’t trying to be frivolous, but instead was thoughtful, serious, and quite honest. This was fascinating.

[@Cowmilker98]

You should watch the documentary on his life story from ITV4. A whole load of stuff similar to this contained within, albeit lacking the last decade or so.

[@eldertmohr1366]

Great interview, Ronnie is a top bloke and probably the best to ever do it

[@catalinacurio]

Ronnie, we love you for being you, going to rehab takes guts, much respect!

[@dennistaylor3009]

Ronnie is the people's champion and Long overdue for a knighthood for services to snooker 🎱.

[@mikequick1050]

I can't see Ronnie accepting a knighthood

[@tamptv8062]

@@mikequick1050 he accepted an OBE so what makes you think he wouldn’t take a knighthood if he was offered one?

[@mikemorris4548]

@@tamptv8062, maybe because he probably doesn't want to be addressed a Sir, that's why, I can understand why if not, it's explainable but a bit hard to explain. I think I'm surprised Murray has a knighthood, but maybe the only reason he has one is cuz of him being the first British player to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry.

[@skinzy7099]

You can't be the best in the world at something and not be remembered for it... World records are there to be broken as is evolution but legends never forgotten. History is history. C'mon Ronnie the pride of uk!

[@dontbewoke]

Well done to the interviewer , he did a great job to garner such an interesting and insightful reveal on Ronnie.

[@DJG1279]

That was such an excellent interview I took a lot from that and look forward to seeing more history in the making

[@cocktail7426]

I never watch videos where there's interview or just personal talks of any type whether models or sportsman etc, it sounds like boring to me but when it comes to Ronnie i never miss a single second, i have watched all the interviews because i love him and i play snooker for him...Long live goat ❣️

[@Rising.consciousness]

Great podcast. It’s really cool that two OG’s, Ronnie and Jimmy have such a good friendship

[@ariffjiwa3937]

Ronnie you talk to much

[@MJPno.8]

What a great interview, sporting legend.🙌🏻

[@chrisjohnson4165]

Love ROS! He's given us his all, and gets better like fine wine.

[@GormlyKeep]

Brilliant interview. Great questions and giving the guest space to elaborate

[@malikmalik-ny7tv]

There has never been a sportman in the world who is so good in what he does and complain so much as Ronny osullivan😄

[@jamesbyrne9312]

And we love it haha

[@jamboz]

Loved the "putting people in their place" comments from about the 27 minute mark. He said it repeatedly, and with such passion and conviction. I think he still loves putting other players in their place, despite his somewhat lukewarm attitude to snooker these days.

[@pete456113]

Yes that’s why he dominated Allen so much I think

[@generalludendorff2657]

and thats why he will loose against Higgins again....

[@rezasheikh106]

@@generalludendorff2657 u sure about that?

[@Bulltilt31]

@@generalludendorff2657 didn’t age well this 😀

[@ChocManus]

@@generalludendorff2657 Gand Final vs Trump leading 12-5. Go on Ronnie!!

[@Mick-Dempsey]

Great interview,well done to the interviewer too.He asked all the right questions and I'm delighted Ronnie interacted so honestly and opened up,very enjoyable as a huge Ronnie fan.

[@joshd790]

Ronnie is the goat Unbelievable interviewer here some great’s questions and defo done his research great to see 👍

[@arsenal10141014]

Excellent interview. Insightful. Good to see Ronnie open up

[@jonhill3328]

Really insightful interview, thanks 👍🏻

[@reash9n]

"Cover yourself in mustard"- I need to remember this line

[@lagathy]

Brilliant interview.thanks!

[@paddymuppy]

Great interview and interviewer.

[@stevepearse5641]

Top man automatically subscribed to ur channel with this interview looking forward to watching more Ronnie is the goat 🐐

[@thomasevans7410]

Both humble and proud at the same time. He is the greatest snooker player of all time, so..

[@craigfowler7098]

Good to see an interview where the sportsman answers how they want to and not how they expect the public to perceive them. Honest us the best policy as always shown by Ronnie.

[@sussi-hn5fj]

17:30 the pigeons are even fans of Ronnie's and agreeing with him when he mentions his serenity! Lol 😅Ronnie has got his fans everywhere even flying in the sky! Ronnie's pigeons music! Ronnie should put that on his next t-shirt! Lol brilliant interview. Ronnie please don't ever change being you. You're not just a remarkable snooker player, your a remarkable gentleman too. God bless ❤

[@liamwatson9897]

Brilliant interview.

[@ChocManus]

Really really good interview. It captured me

[@brianmeehan8739]

Great interview 🤌

[@claudfraser4445]

Hahahaha🤣🤣🤣 luved it when he kept saying "I need to put him in his place" ahhhh the front on the man, you just gotta luv the rocket! 🚀

[@beickus]

We love you mate

[@silversleeper484]

@Joe, Dude amazing candid interview with Ronnie. 🍻

[@pingpong9656]

He cares about snooker 100%, he's just putting up a front to take off the pressure.

[@gohumberto]

No. He was putting up a front before. Hence his issues. This isn't a front any more. Hence the happiness.

[@FourGreenFields]

Think you're right. He's been saying this more or less his whole career i.e. can't be bothered etc

[@Squats200]

Totally agree. It's all BS.

[@DINKL8ERG]

Coudl possibly be Britain's best sportsman of all time respect to the goat

[@michellearmstrong4298]

Good interview and interviewer!

[@stephenhall1497]

Never be so funny rocket you are the best snooker 🎱 player on this planet everyone else wanna be you ,you are a spectacular legend this year you will win at Sheffield champ 🏆

[@tiges6989]

👍🏼💯 CHAMPION! I love watching you play snooker more than any other player but it would be fantastic to see you play some televised billiards even if it's exhibition.🥰

[@22grena]

Good 👍 interview

[@lironlmeirovitch880]

Legend, hero, God

[@simonpayne54]

Make no mistake, Ronnie is as competitive as ever. I am very much like Ronnie in life, but have not lost my competitive edge. With characters like Ronnie, it is best not to cramp his style. Let him do what works for him and just be there for support. Don't over fuss him, encourage, don't be false, don't try to over complicate his mood swings as it is just chemical imbalance and nothing personal. Everybody has good and bad days. He is definitely not a perfectionist and just wants a good balance. Characters like Ronnie need that freedom and flair on and off the table. My prediction is that he will still be winning at 50 years of age. I hope he gets a knighthood too, not that he would ever begrudge not having one. Medals, prize money and recognition etc are all by products of the hard work and consistency he has shown on the table. Success is always a by product of hard work and effort. That is what makes Ronnie tick.

[@kemalhussein6106]

I wish i saw this interview before Ronnie smashed his way in Mustard to his 7th World Title! 🤣🙏

[@johnnygreenshirt6215]

Ronnie O'Sullivan World No1 in the world. Just a down to earth guy don't give a sh!t what people think about him makes him the GOAT.

[@the_alchemy_method]

Hes had such great longevity because he’s adapted his game and reinvented himself over those 3 decades to cope with the changing style of play. For this reason i do believe he can win seven or eight world titles if he applies himself and wants it badly enough

[@dontbewoke]

Not really. He's always been an attacking type of player. Whats changed is his ability to cope with not playing his best and not allowing the frustration of that to stop him winning matches. He thanks Steve Peters for that.

[@richhughes7450]

@@dontbewoke That's spot on. His level of snooker has always been high enough to beat anybody who holds a cue so adapting has never needed to happen for him.. His focus and or concentration has always been his friend and his enemy. He likes fast flowing games. Players know that and use this against him by taking ridiculously long periods of time to take shots... Selby for one. Ronnie does not like long games. This winds him up and pop goes his concentration.

[@mattmatt4000]

One of a kind

[@MrGloryglorymanutd18]

Finally the question about his status as the greatest player ever is finished for at least 15-20 years i believe.

[@boahnation9932]

I like his candour.

[@lens2optic]

Legend

[@davidbooth6008]

Brilliant...

[@jon-paultallentire3568]

I still don't know how Ronnie hasn't won Sports Personality of the year the man should be given a lifetime achievement award. No 1 and nearly 50. Unreal the man should be knighted for me. Watched the man play for 30 years and he hypnotizes me. He's inspired all of the great players of today onto a different level. Williams and Higgins too they're inspirational and showing people that age is just a number

[@oldskoolfool141]

'Sins of the father', the establishment doesn't reward those who function outside of it (or those connected to those who operate outside of it), it's been the cause of friction his whole career, O'Sullivans talent has been a constant bloody nose to them

[@ellioshiem7892]

KEEP PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH RONNIE. 1.500 MENTAL HEATH PEOPLE HAVE DIED UNNECESSARILY OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS. UNDER ESSEX MENTAL HEATH AUTHORITY. LOVE YOU RONNIE. 🙂❤

[@kromair22]

So what does Johnny want to be known as? He is the best snooker player that ever lived. What do you want to be known for? Love you J!

[@kromair22]

Also elaborating on your addiction would be very helpful to people who has similar demons. I know this is hard, but the mistory does not help those who struggle. Again, you amaze me and are a true Einstein of the game!

[@kromair22]

Thank you for your reply. I am inspired! Watching you play, knowing a good bit about your life growing up, you are a true warrior! I love to hear how you change the way you think about snooker and other things in life. It is so true that what you think shapes your reality, shapes your life. I have not traveled abroad in my 52 years but hope to one day be able to come see you in person! Best wishes to you and keep inspiring the rest of us!

[@pogmohon8857]

Read his book

[@williambox2463]

O’Sullivan is extremely intelligent, that’s why he gets bored with repetitive tasks and small talk. He’s more shrewd than people give credit for

[@jstMichael]

Key phrase to take from this interview. "Be prepared to smother yourself in mustard!"

[@SuperChalkster]

the records say he is the most successful player in history, But he still has underachieved. With his talent and longevity he should have at least 10 world championships. In many world championships he didnt have the right mindset. I think if he knew what he knows now when he was 18 he would of been unbeatable. He is a unbeliveable talent in his trade, I dont think were ever see anyone close to him, certainly not in my lifetime. As a fan i was very pleased he won his 7th just so the Hendry fanboys have nothing to offer anymore in a debate to who is or was the goat.

[@Rowlph8888]

really good commentator ass well.I was really surprised athow insighttful hee was, about the players mindset.

[@gabrieljonesferraz4254]

Ronnie is best player snooker😊

[@joaquimaraujo96]

GOAT 🔥🚀

[@MrTheBigM]

get Ronnie on the JRE podcast!

[@djsteves554]

Most Americans probably don't even know that snooker exists 😂

[@andymeadows_coaching]

One of sports greatest

[@markrichardson6402]

Go Ronnie go.

[@gurdeepchumber2764]

Sometimes he can be a knob in his interviews but I enjoyed this one,more of these kind of interviews please Ron I Really enjoyed it 👍🏽

[@martint.1538]

We can all be Knobs mate, it’s just his are on camera. Life is hard… All the best,

[@gurdeepchumber2764]

@@martint.1538 💯 True 👍🏽

[@martint.1538]

@@gurdeepchumber2764 cheers fella.

[@gurdeepchumber2764]

@@martint.1538 Apparently he has a camera crew following him around, something to do with a documentary

[@the_alchemy_method]

I think it’s important to not have your identity too wrapped up in what you do so when you fail that’s going to be much harder for you to accept but I still think that professional sportsman have to live the life even though they can do other things they have to have the right mindset methodology to be able to help them to deal with that and have the right balance in their life as well and the right people around them

[@EannaButler]

Ah yes, the pigeon, made his debut Yan v Selby a couple of days ago... Ronnie is a sporting legend. We are lucky to be around to see him continue to play the game.

[@mcfcaguerooo5697]

Doesn’t want to be defined by his job. I can relate to that

[@mollycole245]

But you are a snooker player Ronnie best in the world like watching snooker when you play 👍❤️

[@Nick-po8cp]

Too late for that GOAT the man who cleared the table just over 5 mins what else can we remember u for ?? Outspoken Ronnie the rocket 🚀 who would have over 10 world had he lived a boring lifestyle.

[@GraphicEuforia]

I just can't handle the interviewer saying 'Yeah' after every sentence from Ronnie.

[@mikekavalerchik5226]

All the other things you got your fingers in as you put it is because you are a great snooker player.

[@kathbetts3289]

Best player ever

[@EthansCONN]

Ronnie & Fury are the two best in the UK!

[@joeosullivan8440]

Ronnie's a genius at snooker. No more than that.

[@johnp515]

It’s doubtful there’s many people who think he is a genius at anything else other than snooker

[@joeosullivan8440]

@@johnp515 Which is why he'll always be known as a snooker player.

[@DavidSmith-wp8vw]

Anyone know where you can get a wall mural like this?

[@charlesowen3969]

Brilliant interview. Couple of pints!?

[@MobstersInc]

New Subscriber 🎱

[@truthwinsuk8056]

THE GREATEST

[@roing747]

Very glad Ronnie later on in the interview talked seriously about snooker, constantly talking about that he doesn't care about results and that he has his life in order, it's nice and all, but he owes that all to snooker. The killer mentality that he explained at the end, that is what we recognize in a great player. Putting less pressure on yourself mentally, that's all fine, but Ronnie without a killer mentality, even with top players such as Selby, Robertson and Trump around, it would be a sad place.

[@slm0n]

Unique. (Period).

[@michaeljohnson5365]

Did you know ever 60 seconds around 3 weeks worth of footage is uploaded to youtube

[@zqfmgbhoo]

I appreciate the interview, but just a bit of (I hope) helpful criticism: I found the "yeah yeah yeah" of the interviewer quite annoying while Ronnie was talking. Maybe just let him speak with some silent nods. Anyway, great content!

[@dohnjoe1337]

Ronnie's easily the best player of our generation

[@rodrigocadima9174]

of all time*

[@eliasfarhat8558]

Rockeeeet foreveeeeer

[@carpediem4179]

Wisdom comes with age

[@chestermartin2356]

Imagine getting in touch with the world number 1 to try and tell them how to play lol

[@andymacka5553]

Hes nown as the GOAT

[@JohnSmith-uc4ku]

GREAT IRISH FAMILY THE O,SULLIVAN'S MAGNIFICENT 7🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@jamesfahy3963]

Extraordinary talent. Hope he knows that the surname is Irish. The derivation is of course , meaning the one eyed.”O Sewell A Waan. “ he is anything but , playing stereoscopically in technicolor since the get go.