Ronnie O’Sullivan says snooker players are a ‘different breed’ and ‘not like Premier League footballers’

Ronnie O’Sullivan is one of Britain’s most decorated sport stars but the world No. 1 insists he and his snooker rivals are a “simple lot” – and not at all like “Premier League footballers”.

A seven-time world champion and multiple Triple Crown winner, O’Sullivan, with his charismatic personality and high profile, has helped to light up the World Snooker Tour for the best part of three decades.

But despite his remarkable achievements in the sport, O’Sullivan remains down to earth and extremely modest, and he feels that most of his fellow competitors are a “different breed”.

Describing Ding a “cool guy”, O’Sullivan told Eurosport: “Most snooker players are. We are a very simple lot, happy with a cup of tea, a bit of food, hit a few balls.

“We’re all quite quiet, simple sort of people. We’re not like Premier League footballers, who want the big watches, all the clothes, all the cars, big houses and stuff like that.

“We’re a different breed, really.”

O’Sullivan also provided an insight into the relationship he shares with Ding, who is one of the most popular players on the tour.

“He’s great. In China, it’s an honour to represent your country. He has handled it really well. They’re very proud of him in China,” said O’Sullivan.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with Ding ever since that Masters final [in 2007, when O’Sullivan won 10-3]. His mum and dad really appreciated me putting an arm around him when they saw that their son wasn’t going through a good time.

“We always keep in touch, always texting each other. We do a lot of work with each other.”

The feeling is clearly mutual as Ding only has good words to say about O’Sullivan.

“He brings more fans to snooker. He plays a way people love to see, like Judd [Trump]; people love to see attacking snooker. Quick and fast, making big breaks. Sometimes he makes it looks like there is no pressure, he doesn’t care.”