Masters snooker 2024: Ronnie O’Sullivan is ‘going for 10 of each of the Triple Crowns’, claims Jimmy White

Jimmy White claims that Ronnie O’Sullivan has an ambition to win “10 of each of the Triple Crowns”.

In an interview with Eurosport ahead of the Masters, O’Sullivan expressed his desire to win the tournament for the first time in seven years.

But according to his close friend White, O’Sullivan, 48, has much bigger intentions.

“Listen, he’s going for 10 of each of the Triple Crowns, he’s just not declaring it,” said White.

White stressed that O’Sullivan will not take Ding lightly, adding: “He’s got a tough match. Ding came back to form in the final of the UK Championship.”

White referenced the friendship the pair share as he recalled the moment O’Sullivan shared an embrace with Ding following the final of 2007, when The Rocket won 10-3. However, he insists respect will be put to one side when the match starts.

“When they get out there tomorrow, they’ll be like two gladiators and he’s in Ronnie’s backyard,” concluded White.

Alan McManus echoed White’s comments, saying: “They have massive respect for each other, but that’s all going to be put to one side tomorrow. You look back at the history of these two guys in the Masters and this is going to be their sixth meeting, and Ronnie’s won all five.

“The problem for Ding is that he’s entering Ronnie’s playground. This is his domain. This is where he’s won seven titles. Ding is going to have to beat Ronnie and the crowd.”