McManus says O'Sullivan doesn't need his old magic despite losing it.

In the world of snooker, Ronnie O'Sullivan's name is synonymous with greatness. He has been at the top of his game for many years now, and his skill on the table has constantly evolved and improved. However, according to former player Alan McManus, there may have been a slight shift in O'Sullivan's approach to the game. McManus believes that while the Rocket's performance is still as impressive as ever, there is a noticeable change in the way he plays. Instead of relying on his trademark magic, O'Sullivan has become a master of systematically breaking down his opponents with his precise and calculated shots.

This season has been nothing short of remarkable for O'Sullivan, with five titles already under his belt including the prestigious UK Championship and Masters. Currently sitting at the top of the world rankings, the 48-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, he kicked off his Tour Championship campaign in style, defeating Ali Carter with a dominating score of 10-2 and impressively scoring nine half-centuries along the way.

Despite his outstanding performance, O'Sullivan has openly expressed his frustrations with his technique. In an interview with ITV, he admitted that while he may have been winning, his technique has been far from perfect. He even went as far as to say that this may have been his worst year technically. Perhaps this is why he doesn't feel as satisfied with his wins as he normally would.

McManus, who is also a former Masters champion, understands where O'Sullivan is coming from. He believes that O'Sullivan's game has shifted from the flashy and extravagant to a more calculated and efficient style. While this may not make for as many jaw-dropping moments, it is a highly effective approach that has been winning him matches consistently. "It's all cue ball now," said McManus, highlighting O'Sullivan's incredible control and precision on the table.

Stephen Hendry, another former player and O'Sullivan's fellow pundit, also shares this sentiment. He described O'Sullivan as a "percentage player," but clarified that this is not a negative term. In fact, it is a testament to O'Sullivan's ability to assess the situation and make the best decisions based on the odds. He may not take as many risks as he used to, but that doesn't make him any less dangerous.

O'Sullivan's recent victory over Ali Carter secured him a spot in the Tour Championship semi-finals, where he will face either Gary Wilson or Zhang Anda on Friday. With his current form and newfound efficiency, it's no surprise that he is a top contender for yet another title.

Despite the slight change in his playing style, O'Sullivan's talent and skill are still as undeniable as ever. While some may miss the flashy shots and daring moves, there is no denying that his systematic dismantling of opponents is just as impressive and effective. As the saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and it's safe to say that O'Sullivan's game is far from broken.

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