Ronnie O'Sullivan was accused of lying by BBC commentator at World Championship

claimed that he would rarely practice before heading to the in 2020, but one commentator did not believe him. Previously, O'Sullivan had caused quite a stir when he claimed to favour lounging with 'Only Fools and Horses' over gearing up for one of the most critical matches of his career.

This offhand admission earned him the scrutiny of a BBC commentator. In a 2020 admission, following his sixth world title acquisition, snooker's most distinguished star let slip that he had substantially cut down his practice time, even facing jibes from his fiancee for excessive TV binge-watching.

"I've watched a bit of Del Boy and Rodney before my games rather than practising," O'Sullivan confessed four years back. "[My fiance] Laila says I'm like Rodney and my dad is like Del Boy. I kind of relate to that show a lot - Ronnie the plonker, rather than Rodney the plonker.

"I watch a lot of good stuff - I watched Storage Wars - then I get a knock on the door and I go, 'Sweet, I can go and hit a few balls now."

Nonetheless, The Rocket went on to match Stephen Hendry's legendary tally of world titles two years subsequently with an 18-13 win against Judd Trump. Despite this triumph, BBC's John Parrot remained sceptical about the Rocket's earlier statements concerning his practice regime.

"Don't listen to him saying he doesn't practice," Parrott implored. "He is in the club grafting like a Trojan, he puts the hours in and he wants to win.

"You will never see anyone like him again. He's the best player I've ever seen. His cue ball control is at another level. He's on another level to anyone who has played this game."

O'Sullivan didn't play professionally for three months before entering the 2025 tournament. His participation in Sheffield was not even confirmed until walking out to play Ali Carter, who he defeated 10-4.

O'Sullivan attributed his improved mindset to his collaboration with psychiatrist Steve Peters.

"I'm surprised I'm here but I'm here," O'Sullivan said in Sheffield. "I don't have any expectations. I'd just like to not feel all at sea out there. If I can just play and at least feel semi-competitive, I'd be happy with that.

"Could I win the whole thing? I doubt it. I'm nearly 50 now and there's a lot of young guys who are hungry and competing all the time. It's a bit different to say 2012, 2013."