O'Sullivan motivated for Masters defence

Ronnie O’Sullivan will not be throwing in the towel when he begins the defence of his Masters title next week.

The world number one has not played since losing to Essex rival Mark King at the Travis Perkins UK Championship in York last month.

O’Sullivan bizarrely spent much of his first round game with his head covered by a white towel.

But with the sport’s most prestigious invitation event just two days away, O’Sullivan played down the incident.

“It was just one of those days,” O’Sullivan said. “I was disappointed when I got home not to still be playing at York so I carried on practising even over Christmas so I’d be ready for the Masters.

“It is one of our best tournaments and I am excited by the prospect of playing in it.”

O’Sullivan has been heavily criticised this season for his attitude to the sport and has spoken of his enthusiasm about a new career in American pool.

The 30-year-old was booed before the final of the Grand Prix at Preston last October where he lost to Scotland’s John Higgins.

“Deep down I love snooker. I think everyone knows that,” added O’Sullivan, who emphasised the point by wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words ’I Love Snooker’ at today’s press conference.

“It was a bit of a laugh,” he added. “Apart from the UK I’ve had a pretty good season.

“I reached the final at Preston and won the Betfred Premier League. And such is the standard these days that you are doing well to win even one event a season.”

O’Sullivan starts his defence on Monday against the winner of the first round game between Joe Perry and Wembley debutant Ian McCulloch.

They are in action on Sunday evening following an emotional appearance for three times Masters champion Paul Hunter against another former champion, Mark Williams.

Hunter has confirmed his appearance in the capital despite on-going chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

The tournament kicks off with a match between UK Championship runner-up Steve Davis and Masters newcomer Stuart Bingham.