Ronnie O'Sullivan makes history with EIGHTH UK Championship
Ronnie O’Sullivan insisted that John Higgins needs to be more “aggressive” in his game after crashing out of the Scottish Open. Higgins reached the semi-finals in Edinburgh and had hoped to win his first rankings title since early 2021, but was defeated 6-3 by Noppon Saengkham after losing the final five frames of the match.
Higgins’ disappointing form in recent years has drawn plenty of criticism, including from O’Sullivan who previously called on the Wizard of Wishaw to improve and be able to grind out wins when he is not performing to the highest level.
Higgins was in command as he led Saengkham 3-1 but all of a sudden collapsed, prompting O’Sullivan to advise his fellow Class of 92 member to play more on the front foot.
“If I was giving John a bit of advice I’d probably say be a bit more aggressive,” O’Sullivan told Eurosport. “I think to win matches now at this level you have got to find a high gear. John is very solid, but I don’t know if solid is good enough at the moment with this level.
JUST IN Ronnie O’Sullivan calls out rival after ‘disrespectful’ rant at Scottish Open[REACTION]
“I think he has got to push the boundaries a bit more. He is such a good player that if he came out and played with the aggressiveness that Noppon played with I think he would scare people more. It is tough to give someone like John advice, no one knows his game better than John does, but I just watch him sometimes and if he was to really push the boat out – that’s all I think he can try.
“No one likes playing someone that is coming at you at 100mph constantly. When someone backs off a bit you can get comfortable in the match and John has got to stop letting people feel comfortable against him. With John he just wants to win something and I think his best way of doing it is going and going.
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Don’t miss…
Snooker star Wilson left speechless at ‘cruel’ foul that makes commentator sigh[SPOTTED]
‘Dangerous’ Ronnie O’Sullivan has gone ‘full circle’ as snooker stars warned[INTERVIEW]
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s rival Shaun Murphy speaks out after ‘disrespectful’ comment[LATEST]
“When you get to the business end of tournaments, average is not going to do it. I am not saying John is average as he is a superb player, but I think if he plays a high enough level of attacking play he will win.”
O’Sullivan has already asked Higgins to improve that side of his game in Edinburgh, but the Scot admitted that the recent UK Championship winner setting such a high standard for veteran players is fueling criticism against him.
“I know, it’s just that we’re in the era that you’re playing in,” Higgins replied. “You’re obviously still winning the big events and I am getting judged on that. If he (O’Sullivan) is not around and I am still playing to this level and I am 48, people would be saying it’s a remarkable achievement but you’re up against this guy and in the same age group – a one-off. It’s difficult but I still feel that I am doing OK for who I am, so I am happy.”
Source: Read Full Article