Ronnie O’Sullivan dismisses talk of greatness ahead of World Championship opener

The 48-year-old, who starts his first round match against Welsh qualifier Jackson Page on Wednesday and questions whether such plaudits are worth having at all.

OPENER: Ronnie O’Sullivan is aiming for an eighth world title. Pic: Zac Goodwin/PA

Ronnie O’Sullivan shrugged off suggestions of greatness on the eve of his bid to eclipse Stephen Hendry and become the first player to win eight world snooker titles in the modern era.

O’Sullivan is already routinely described as the best player to pick up a cue after a record-breaking career that includes eight Masters and eight UK titles within a total of 41 ranking tournament wins.