December 23rd 2024.
Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan have a long history of playing against each other on the snooker table. These two talented players have had some intense battles, showcasing their skills and determination to be the best. However, their rivalry goes beyond the baize as they have also been practice partners in the past.
In fact, over a decade ago, a young Trump moved to Romford to practice with some of the top players in the game, including O'Sullivan himself. At the time, O'Sullivan had already won three out of his seven world titles, making him a force to be reckoned with. Trump had the opportunity to witness firsthand the hard work and dedication that O'Sullivan put into his practice sessions.
Despite his immense talent, O'Sullivan believes that it was his work ethic rather than his natural abilities that contributed to his success. In an interview with WST, the 49-year-old snooker legend reflected on his journey to becoming the greatest player in the game and emphasized the importance of hard work in achieving one's goals.
He also shared his thoughts on practicing with Trump, acknowledging the young player's incredible talent but also noting that being in the same environment helped him see the level of dedication and seriousness that O'Sullivan put into his practice. O'Sullivan believes that this is true for any sport, and it is the willingness to put in the work that sets the best apart from the rest.
Despite their competitive nature, O'Sullivan and Trump have a friendly relationship. In an interview with the Evening Standard in 2012, Trump expressed his admiration for O'Sullivan, saying that he had always wanted to be like him since he was eight years old. He also mentioned that playing against O'Sullivan used to bring a lot of pressure, but practicing with him helped take that fear factor away.
Their friendship was evident in the 2022 World Championship final, where O'Sullivan emerged as the winner. After the match, during a long embrace between the two players, Trump thanked O'Sullivan for allowing him to practice with him and for always looking out for him. He also acknowledged O'Sullivan's dedication and hard work, stating that he truly deserved all his success.
But O'Sullivan's inspiration in the game goes beyond just his practice sessions with Trump. He shared that he had always looked up to Steve Davis and tried to replicate his style of play in his early career. O'Sullivan didn't have a coach, but he learned a lot from watching videos of Davis, who, according to O'Sullivan, was the perfect example of doing everything right in the game of snooker.
Davis himself has high praise for O'Sullivan, stating that he is at least a nose ahead of the other legendary players in the game. In an interview, Davis described O'Sullivan as being on another wavelength, not just because of his exceptional skills, but because of something else that sets him apart from the rest. He also believes that O'Sullivan has the X factor that makes him stand out, even among other great players like John Higgins, Mark Williams, and himself.
In conclusion, O'Sullivan and Trump's rivalry has not only pushed them to become better players but has also resulted in a strong friendship. O'Sullivan's dedication and hard work have not only inspired Trump but also other players in the game. And while O'Sullivan may have taken inspiration from players like Davis, he has undoubtedly carved his own path and reached the ceiling of what is humanly possible in the game of snooker.
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