Ronnie O’Sullivan takes on John Higgins. (Photo: Getty Images)
Ronnie O’Sullivan is well aware that he has a psychological advantage over almost every player he has ever faced. He says that only Stephen Hendry and John Higgins ever crumbled against him.
The Rocket is almost unanimously regarded as the greatest player of all time and will be looking to cement his position as he seeks an eighth Masters title this week.
After defeating Ding Junhui in the opening round, O’Sullivan was at his best in the quarter-finals against Barry Hawkins, but still won 6-3.
Falko had many chances to miss the opportunities offered by a couple of world numbers, but failed to deliver the necessary performance.
O’Sullivan knows that his presence can wear down opponents, even when he plays poorly, and when he scores, he believes that only Hendry and Higgins stood up to him.
“I’ve never worried about a bad spell because I have so much faith that if I play well it will happen and when it does they will feel it,” O’Sullivan told Eurosport.
“I know since I was a kid that when I play I feel them start to crumble. It doesn’t matter who it is.
Ronnie O’Sullivan plays against Stephen Hendry
O’Sullivan. held his early career memorable battles with Hendry (Image: Getty Images)
“There’s probably two players I’ve met all but not all the time and that’s probably Higgins and Hendry. But all the other players I’ve played with, when I’m playing well, they just don’t get it.
“I think the fear factor will only come when I perform and play well and they realize that’s why I won so much.
“I’m pretty sure that as long as I do everything I can do right, I always have better than almost anyone I play.”
O’Sullivan’s win over Hawkins puts him through to the semi-finals on Saturday, where he will face Shaun Murphy after the Wizard defeated Jack Lisowski on Thursday night..
