Ronnie O'Sullivan caught in unfortunate moment backstage at the Masters - 'He looks very relaxed'

Ronnie O'Sullivan caught in unfortunate moment backstage at the Masters - 'He looks very relaxed'

WATCH NOW: Latest sports round-up as Ronnie O'Sullivan competes at the Masters

Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 13/01/2024

- 14:01

TV cameras caught the Rocket out moments before his semi-final

Ronnie O'Sullivan was filmed looking very chilled ahead of his Masters semi-final against Shaun Murphy on Saturday.

TV cameras picked up the Rocket pulling off a huge yawn just moments before he walked out to play.


O'Sullivan is competing in his 15th semi-final as he looks to win the tournament for a record-extending eighth time.

The 48-year-old has been critical of his own performance this week as well as hitting out at the Alexandra Palace venue.

Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan was caught in an unfortunate moment

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He beat Barry Hawkins in his quarter-final on Thursday and revealed he would have a relaxing day off in between matches.

However, he didn't appear to be at his sharpest heading into the clash with Murphy.

The BBC pundits were discussing how the match could go besides the table.

Cameras then cut to O'Sullivan backstage at just the wrong moment.

The seven-time champion was mid-yawn as he waited for his call to enter the arena.

His eyes appeared to lock with the camera lens before coverage quickly returned back to the pundits.

Presenter Hazel Irvine laughed and interrupted Ken Doherty.

She said: "He doesn't look fazed does he? I hope he's had a good night's sleep Ken."

To which Doherty replied: "He looks very relaxed there doesn't he?

"I'll say he's had a better night's sleep than Shaun has had. There's no doubt about that."

Murphy had been working as a pundit until late on Friday night but it appeared he was more awake than his opponent.

The 41-year-old was glowing in his praise for O'Sullivan ahead of the tournament.

Murphy believes there is no doubt that the world No 1 should now be considered the best of all time.

"I feel safe these days with the word I'm about to write: GOAT," said Murphy.

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Ronnie O'Sullivan

TV cameras picked up Ronnie O'Sullivan mid-yawn ahead of his semi-final

BBC

"He's had more wins, he has earned more money and had more centuries than any other player," said Murphy.

"I don't think you can make the argument anymore.

"He's incredible to watch. It's almost like he challenges himself when he's out there. Almost like this game is too easy. Almost like he wants to play the game in its purist form.

"He would have been just splashing the reds, and clearing up years ago.

Ronnie O'Sullivan

Ronnie O'Sullivan is aiming to win his eighth Masters title

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"I think the challenge aspect keeps his focus.

"We didn't think your century record would be beaten, but he's closing in on twice as many and is well into the 1200s.

"Incredible break-builder, incredible long potter and of course, we go back to when he teamed with Reardon all those years ago, and he did become the complete player."

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