Ronnie O’Sullivan’s three favourite snooker tournaments revealed with added motivation to defend UK Championship title
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN’S three favourite tournaments have been revealed by former rival Ken Doherty.
Doherty, 55, claimed the 1997 world championship, four years before O’Sullivan got his hands on a first Crucible title.
The Irishman also reached the final in 1998 and 2003, losing to John Higgins and Mark Williams.
Doherty is still playing snooker but now sits outside the top 100 in the world rankings.
By contrast, O’Sullivan remains one of the most formidable players in the game.
The seven-time world champion, 48, claimed a record-extending eighth UK Championship last year.
He began the defence of his title against Barry Hawkins on Saturday afternoon.
And Doherty has revealed O’Sullivan’s three favourite competitions are each of the Triple Crown events – the world championships, Masters, and UK Championship.
Speaking to BBC snooker MC and broadcaster Rob Walker, he said: “You’re only waiting for him to explode.
“Certain players have certain tournaments they love playing in.
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“He loves this one, he loves the worlds obviously, and he loves the Masters. They’re his top three favourites.
“So to win this and defend it would be on his list of priorities.”
Alongside O’Sullivan’s seven world titles and eight UK Championships, he also has eight Masters wins.
But he has claimed just one ranking title in 2024 – that coming at the World Grand Prix back in January.