JUDD BACKS RONNIE AND OLD RIVALS TO KEEP ON PLAYING

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN admits he would be bored without snooker after Judd Trump claimed the Rocket could still be potting balls in his 60s.

- By Shane MacDermott

O'Sullivan, 49, is bidding to become a record eight-time world champion at the Crucible and would break his own landmark, from 2022, as the oldest winner if he lifts the trophy.

The fifth seed leads Si Jiahui 6-2 after the first session of their quarter-final but insists he is going through “hell” on the game’s grandest stage — and has given himself two years to rediscover what he considers his best form.

Three years ago, Trump quipped he felt like he was in a seniors event when the semi-final line-up consisted of himself and the famous Class of 92 of O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams.