Ronnie O’Sullivan reveals who prefers playing who in snooker’s Class of 92

Ronnie O’Sullivan reckons there are mixed feelings within the Class of 92, revealing who prefers playing who among the three snooker legends.

John Higgins and Mark Williams join the Rocket in the trio of greats that all turned professional 34 years ago.

They all remain at the top of the game and two of them will meet this week in the second round of the World Championship as O’Sullivan takes on Higgins.

It is a repeat of a previous Crucible final in just the last 16 and, for some, is a clash between the two best players of all time.

Williams is also into the last 16 after beating Antoni Kowalski in his opening game, setting up a match with Barry Hawkins in round two.

Ahead of his latest meeting with Higgins, O’Sullivan reckons there is something of a love triangle between the three, with each preferring a different pairing on the table.

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‘I think I find it easier playing Mark than I do John,’ said O’Sullivan. ‘I think John enjoys playing me. I enjoy playing Mark, and Mark enjoys playing John.

‘John doesn’t like playing Mark. It’s strange but it’s styles, whatever it is. That’s how I’ve always seen it.’

O’Sullivan has been talking up Higgins’ form and consistency ahead of their last 16 meeting, insisting that the Scot is the favourite, although the bookmakers would disagree.

The Rocket has always been a huge admirer of the Wizard of Wishaw’s game, so much so that he feels if he had Higgins’ mindset then he would have been even more successful.

‘I felt if I had his game, I’d have won more than I have now. It’s not just technique, there’s other things that make you win more,’ O’Sullivan told TNT Sports. ‘John’s an amazing player. Probably everyone’s favourite player.’

On what specifically Higgins does better than him, the Rocket said: ‘John’s grittier. Prepared to tough it out more, naturally that’s normal for him. I have to work at that, to dig in a bit.

‘His temperament is incredible. He’s got great bottle. There’s so many things to admire, he’s got a lot of good qualities.’

Higgins certainly sounds like he enjoys playing O’Sullivan as much as the Englishman thinks he does.

After beating Ali Carter in round one, but before O’Sullivan had downed He Guoqiang, the Wizard said: ‘I would love to play him out there again. That will be special.

‘It might never happen again. As I had with [Mark] Williams the last few years here, they were special occasions. If Ronnie does get through it will be a special occasion.

‘Playing one of the greatest ever, it would be a great match if he comes through and we play over three sessions.’

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