Ronnie O'Sullivan's Continued Dominance

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has once again proven his mettle at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, securing his place in the quarter-finals. Despite his victory, O'Sullivan was critical of his own performance, stating he was "nowhere near" his best level. The 49-year-old snooker legend needed just 17 minutes to win the necessary frame against China's Pang Junxu, finishing with a break of 95.

A Rocky Road to Recovery

O'Sullivan's journey to the quarter-finals hasn't been without its challenges. Earlier this year, he made headlines for snapping his cue and throwing it into a bin during the Championship League event. Following this incident, he took a three-month break from competitive play, during which he focused on rebuilding his game. His recent matches, including a 10-4 win over Ali Carter and a 13-4 victory against Pang, have shown glimpses of his former brilliance, but O'Sullivan remains unsatisfied.

Self-Assessment and Future Prospects

When asked to rate his current performance on a scale of 1 to 10, O'Sullivan gave himself a modest "two." He acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, "I need game time and I'm trying to get my game back." Despite his self-critique, O'Sullivan remains confident in his ability to perform under pressure. "I always back myself if I can play somewhere near my best level," he added.

Other Notable Matches

In other matches, Luca Brecel, the 2023 champion, secured a swift 13-4 victory over 2016 runner-up Ding Junhui. Brecel will face 2019 champion Judd Trump in the quarter-finals, who himself triumphed in a thrilling 13-10 match against Shaun Murphy. Meanwhile, China's Si Jiahui advanced to the quarter-finals with a 13-10 win over England's Ben Woollaston.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on O'Sullivan as he aims for a record-breaking eighth Crucible world title. His next match against Si Jiahui promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both players eager to prove their worth on snooker's biggest stage.