Rocket sees Chinese revolution

O'Sullivan: Sees Chinese future

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Ronny O'Sullivan reckons it is just a matter of time before China establishes itself as the super-power of snooker.

The Rocket begins his Masters title defence this Sunday and the world No. 1 is widely expected to land a fifth crown at Wembley.

However O'Sullivan expects a tough challenge in the capital tournament and has predicted Ding Junhui to lead a new era of dominance for China after his UK Championship win.

Ding, who beat world champion John Higgins to win the UK title in December, is the only Chinese player to be playing in the Masters this year, but the World No. 13 leads a host of talented players from Eastern shores.

And the Rocket expects more to break into the top 16 in the near future.

Takeover

"I think it could be a takeover one day," the outspoken Londoner, who will use an eye-catching purple cue at the Masters after signing a lucrative deal with Premier Inns, told Reuters.

"It's all new to the Chinese and they are very excited about it. It's like a pot of gold at the end of it for them and that's a huge incentive."

"They've a lot of grassroots snooker which is not as strong as it was (in England) when I was an amateur 20 years ago.

"I mean out of a million playing the game you might find four or five that are really good. It's a numbers game.

"In China they have 100 million or a billion people, statistically it's in their favour."

O'Sullivan, who claims the Chinese could have as many as 10 players in the top 16 within the next decade, has warned UK-based players that they will fall short of the sport's top honours unless they generate new talent.

"We have to get our fingers out and start producing some quality players otherwise there will be a Chinese world champion in three years, without doubt," the Essex man added.

"Ding's the player to do it but there's another 20 in China all waiting to come on board. I can see in 10 years there will probably be 10 top Chinese players."

Bolt approach

And O'Sullivan's tactic himself to deal with the influx of new players from China - taking inspiration from Usain Bolt - as he enters the new decade with a new approach to his snooker.

The Jamaican sprint-king has smashed the 100 and 200 metre records in recent years with his refreshingly laid-back style to competing.

The Rocket, like Bolt, has been the stand-out performer in his sport, but the 34-year-old's drive for perfection has contributed to the psychological demons he has needed to deal with since turning professional in the early 1990s.

After threatening to the quit the sport on several occasions, O'Sullivan's love for snooker is well and truly alive, albeit with an emphasis on entertaining rather than crushing all opponents.

"Usain Bolt has proved you don't have to be so intense about everything you do," said O'Sullivan.

"You can make things fun and still break world records and be the best at what you do in the world.

"I think I've performed my best when I've had that attitude."