Barry Hearn’s true thoughts on Ronnie O’Sullivan after ‘mistake’ | Other | Sport

His remaining tournament action has come in China, Saudi Arabia and Germany with varying degrees of success. Therefore, until recently, it has been hard to gauge the shape of his game, with the man himself probably not even sure. However, a remarkable week at the World Open in Yushan has thrust O’Sullivan back into the conversation as a potential winner and become a record-breaking eight-time world champion.

Making an incredible 153 break – the highest-ever in professional snooker – was far-fetched even by the Rocket’s standards. He then saw off rising star Wu Yize in an epic semi-final before running into an inspired Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, who fought back from 4-0 down to win 10-7.

A rejuvenated O’Sullivan is a dream for a promoter like Hearn, even if the WST chief believes he made a mistake by not entering the Tour Championship, the final stop before the Crucible.

“That boy drives me mad but he’s always exciting,” said Hearn, alluding to their at times fractious relationship over the years.

“He goes and makes a 153, not just a 147! He’s playing really well, he’s back to something near his best. Only he will know that himself because he’s his own biggest critic.

“He’s not played at the Tour Championship, which I think is a mistake. He’s had a good time out on his own [practising] but he still needs that match fitness.

“But what do I know? He’s a seven-time world champion. If he plays his A-game, he has every chance. He looks as if he’s back but Ronnie predictions are almost impossible.”

O’Sullivan has had match practice ahead of the Crucible after competing in the four-player John Virgo Trophy in Ireland last weekend, which was played under the quick-fire Snooker 900 rules.

The Rocket secured comfortable victories over Stephen Hendry and John Higgins, dropping just one frame across the two matches. O’Sullivan, whose first round match begins on Tuesday, will discover his opponent when the draw is made on Thursday morning.