In our exclusive interview, the former Snooker World Champion discusses O'Sullivan's future and Neil Robertson's place among the all-time greats.
Former Snooker World Champion Ken Doherty says it would be a shame if Ronnie O’Sullivan follows through with his recent comments after ‘the Rocket’ admitted he may skip the Masters for a second consecutive year.
O’Sullivan is currently the third-favourite in the snooker betting to win the Masters, which takes place at Alexandra Palace in January, but is ready to skip the £350k tournament as he focuses on playing in China and the Middle East.
In our exclusive interview, Doherty discusses O’Sullivan’s comments and his future in the game, and also praises Neil Robertson, who recently became just the third player in snooker history to reach 1,000 century breaks, calling the Australian one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has said he may not play in the Masters. What do you make of that?
I hadn’t heard that. If he doesn’t play, it would be a shame, but I hope that’s not the case. I don’t see why he wouldn’t play – it’s one of the major tournaments and one of the biggest in the sport.
Hopefully, he can adjust his schedule and take part. I really hope he changes his mind, because it’s such a boost when he plays at the Masters – the fans absolutely love him, and I just don’t understand why he has said that.
He has a busy schedule now that he is an ambassador in the Middle East but surely, he would want to take part and have the chance to break his own record of winning a ninth Masters title.
Ronnie has spoken about wanting to retire sooner rather than later, but surely he has many years left?
Without a doubt – I think he has many years left in the game. When you look at what the other lads are doing at their age – like Mark Williams and John Higgins – I don’t see why he couldn’t do the same.
He says he can’t keep going and performing at that level, but he’s still great to watch – a fabulous, entertaining player. He doesn’t play a huge number of matches, but when he does, he’s still right up there.
Ronnie is still one of the best players in the world, and every other player recognises that. I don’t see why he wouldn’t want to keep playing and winning more titles.
Just look at what he did at the Saudi Arabia Masters – made the final and hit two 147s. He was incredible. I’m not sure why he’d want to stop when he clearly still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Neil Robertson has now reached 1,000 centuries – how big an achievement is that?
It’s an incredible achievement, and I messaged Neil to congratulate him.
He’s been one of the all-time greats, and it’s brilliant to see him back playing at the level we all know he can reach. I think he’ll go on to win many more tournaments.
Where would you rank Neil among the greats?
He’s certainly up there. You’ve got Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Judd Trump, John Higgins, Mark Selby – and Neil is right there on that list too.
Judd and Ronnie both have over 1,000 centuries, and I think over the next few years we’ll see more players joining that club.
