O’Sullivan opens up on random shopping spree just before world final

Snooker: O'Sullivan appears to forget rules

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Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed he embarked on a random shopping spree under two hours before the start of his World Championship final against Judd Trump. The Rocket took to the high street to kill spare time before he defeated Trump to claim his seventh Crucible crown.

O’Sullivan’s 18-13 victory over Trump at the Sheffield showpiece in May equalled Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world titles. His status as the greatest player to lift a snooker cue is now seldom disputed as he matched the last remaining significant record held by the legendary Scot. 

Enigmatic O’Sullivan remains one of sport’s most fascinating characters and his often ambivalent approach towards snooker has entertained and bewildered fans for three decades. And unconventional preparations for his world final against Trump at the Crucible have caught the eye in an upcoming Eurosport documentary. 

In an eye-opening interview with former professional turned pundit Alan McManus, O’Sullivan opened up on the details behind a Sheffield city centre shopping trip just 90 minutes before the biggest match of the snooker year. 

Most players would likely be going through the motions, hitting the practice table and warming the cue action before such a monumental occasion, but O’Sullivan had other ideas.

Keen runner O’Sullivan instead had his mind set on purchasing some new items and found the perfect time just before his final got underway. 

McManus, nicknamed ‘Angles’, quizzed O’Sullivan on his bizarre preparations after spotting the 46-year-old buying underwear before his session began.

“I was on the high street about 90 minutes before the kickoff,” McManus said. “You were buying some undies. I thought that was incredible. Here’s a question, would Federer be in the high street buying something 90 minutes before a Wimbledon final?”

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“Probably not,” O’Sullivan replied. “But I had this thing during this year’s World Championships that I was buying running shoe laces. I must have bought about 15 pairs – that was my little treat for myself to get out the hotel. 

“If I had an hour spare – rather than sit in the room, stewing thinking I’ve got two hours to go – just go down to the running shop, buy these sets of laces. I bought loads of pairs. I was just buying them as presents for people. So people that I knew who would appreciate it.

“Another thing was the underpants. I found these new underpants. I bought a few of these pairs and had run out so I thought I’d better go and get some more so it was an opportunity for me to get out and treat myself to something – make myself feel good. Something normal to pass the time.”

Seventh Heaven premieres Saturday at 8pm on discovery+ and Eurosport 1. The Northern Ireland Open is live and exclusive on Eurosport, discovery+ and Quest from October 16th.

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