Ronnie O'Sullivan has branded suggestions that his sparse competitive schedule leaves him ring-rusty as "complete nonsense."
The snooker legend, widely considered the finest player of the modern era, maintains he puts in more preparation than anyone else on the circuit despite his selective approach to tournaments.
Since celebrating his 50th birthday last year, the Rocket has competed in just six matches across three events.
"I always prepare well. Always. I know people question me. Do I practice enough? Do I do this enough? I mean I've had that ever since I was a kid," O'Sullivan declared.
"I prepare harder probably than any other player. I work harder than probably any other player. Some people just don't see it."
His most recent outing saw him demolish fellow Dubai resident Matthew Selt 5-0 in the World Open last 32, compiling breaks of 77, 138, 96 and 52 in a dominant display.
The world No12 now takes on Shaun Murphy in Thursday's last 16 clash in Yushan, with his sights firmly set on claiming an eighth World Championship title at the Crucible this spring.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has branded suggestions that his sparse competitive schedule leaves him ring-rusty as "complete nonsense"
|GETTY
O'Sullivan has deliberately limited his appearances, not competing in the UK since 2 December for tax reasons.
Critics suggest more regular play would yield additional silverware, particularly given his last ranking title came two years ago.
Yet the Rocket points to "players that play 20 tournaments a year and hardly win a match" as justification for charting his own course.
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Five quirky facts about snooker | PAIn a passionate defence of his methods, O'Sullivan rejected the notion that he simply rolls out of bed and pots balls.
"Everyone says, 'Oh he hasn't played enough, he's rusty'. It's just complete nonsense as far as I'm concerned," he stated.
"So if that was the metaphor for playing well and playing in lots of tournaments, then I should be the worst player in the world. Because obviously I play a lot less than everybody else."
The seven-time world champion insisted he has no need for marathon practice sessions.
"I don't need to practise six or seven hours a day. Everybody seems to think you do. I don't need to play every tournament but everybody seems to think you do."
Ronnie O'Sullivan has kept a low profile during his time in Yushan, making use of the hotel gym and going for runs outdoors
| GETTYO'Sullivan has faced doubts about his approach throughout his entire career, but has learned to block out the criticism.
"Ever since I was a kid I've always told that everything I was doing was wrong and I was never any good. So you tend to just try and ignore the noise and just keep going about your business," he explained.
The Rocket has kept a low profile during his time in Yushan, making use of the hotel gym and going for runs outdoors.
He admitted to not training physically for six weeks before arriving, but spent the opening days in China putting in lengthy practice sessions before easing off ahead of competition.