Ronnie O’Sullivan reconsiders Crucible criticism ahead of World Championships – ‘Maybe I’ll eat lasagna, but that’s it’

Ronnie O’Sullivan has won seven world championships, but snooker’s GOAT often seems to have a love-hate relationship with the Crucible, the historic home of the sport’s biggest tournament since 1977.

“There are still tournaments being held there. Why not? But not the 17-day world championships. It’s a big circus and you need a lot of space to accommodate it. Saudi Arabia is great. I think they have the resources and will do great things.

“If we’re going to take it to China, we’ll have to take it to Shanghai. Or we’ll have to take it to another major city like Shenzhen or Guangzhou. It’ll be done properly. There will be shuttles there, and the food will be there. All hotels are going to be great.

“I know they have good tea at the Crucible, and if the guys are cooking they might have lasagna, but that’s about it.”

O’Sullivan first played at the Crucible in 1993, losing 10-7 to fellow Eurosport pundit Alan McManus. At the time, opinions varied as to whether the compact 980-seat arena was suitable for such a huge event.

The world number one went so far as to describe it as a “fantastic venue” after equaling Stephen Hendry’s modern-day record of seven wins two years ago, but was generally disappointed in the cramped facilities inside the snooker greenhouse. He barely concealed his disgust.

Here are some of O’Sullivan’s familiar soundbites from the Crucible over the years ahead of his record-extending 32nd consecutive Sheffield appearance.

O’Sullivan at the Crucible – February 2024

“To be honest, I don’t really like the Crucible. I’d rather go anywhere than the Crucible. I know it’s a great venue, but I don’t like playing there for 17 days. For me, it’s If it goes anywhere,” but the Crucible would be great. ”

O’Sullivan at the Crucible – May 2022

“I really like the Crucible. I think it’s a great venue. It’s iconic in a way and has a great atmosphere. It’s our best venue and we’re drawing 5,000 spectators with double prize money. We will only move if we can.”

“Or unless China makes an offer we can’t refuse. Otherwise, why would we move from Sheffield? Sheffield is a great place for snooker. It’s really like the home of snooker.”

“Until someone makes an offer, I can’t say no, so I’ll just leave it at that.”

The Crucible O’Sullivan – January 2018

“The Crucible is my least favorite event because it’s too long. And you get a lot of ranking points, so you don’t have to play that much.”

The Crucible O’Sullivan – April 2016

“When I remember my great games and see the faces of the crowd and the joy when I gave an unbelievable performance, that stays with me. That’s why I’m here. Someday it’s inevitable. I think I’ll be leaving the Crucible.

“With 128 draws being used in many events, there will come a time when you would want all the draws in one venue like Wimbledon, but that is not this time.

“Maybe they could do that and then continue with another tournament at the Crucible, but I don’t know how they’re going to make that happen.”

The Crucible O’Sullivan – March 2015

“I know it sounds crazy, but I wasn’t even sure if I was going to make it to the worlds. I probably will, but I’m at the point where I only want to spend 20% of my time playing snooker.

“It’s not something I really care about. This is probably one of my least favorite tournaments. 17 days is too long.”