Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed his desire to mend his fractured relationship with his eldest daughter Taylor-Ann Magnus, following years of separation and public criticism.
The seven-time snooker world champion acknowledged the need to repair their bond, though he expressed uncertainty about whether reconciliation would be possible.
The 49-year-old's comments come after Taylor-Ann, born in 1996 from his relationship with Sally Magnus, publicly denounced him in scathing interviews, declaring him unfit to be a father.
O'Sullivan admitted he remains unsure how to bridge the gap that has developed between them over the past decade.
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Taylor-Ann's criticism of her father has been particularly harsh in previous media appearances.
In 2020, she told The Sun that O'Sullivan had never met his granddaughter Zarah-Ann, when she said: "He might be world champion to some, but he's not fit to be called 'Dad' let alone 'Grandad' as far as I'm concerned.
"Zarah-Ann will grow up never knowing who he is. He's made so many promises but what he says and does is so different."
She added: "Having a really s*** parent like you has shown me what is important in life."
Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed his desire to mend his fractured relationship with his eldest daughter Taylor-Ann Magnus
|GETTY
The 27-year-old said in 2022: "He's not part of my life. I wouldn't want to someone like that around me and my child. I was 17 or 18 last time I saw him."
When questioned about whether their estrangement might be permanent, O'Sullivan told The Times: "I hope not. I think I've got to make some sort of amends."
The snooker star acknowledged the complexity of their situation, adding: "I don't know how it's going to work out. Hopefully, at some point, it might sort itself out. Who knows? I don't know."
The champion's words suggest he recognises the need for action on his part, though he offered no specific plans for initiating contact with Taylor-Ann.
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Five quirky facts about snooker | PAIn stark contrast to his troubled relationship with Taylor-Ann, O'Sullivan enjoys close bonds with his two younger children from his relationship with Jo Langley.
The snooker champion revealed he now sees his daughter Lily, 19, more frequently than before, describing her as "quite laid-back, very chilled."
Both Lily and 18-year-old Ronnie Jr have embraced their father's relocation to Dubai, where the family will gather for Christmas.
When asked about his children's reaction to his Middle East move, O'Sullivan said: "They just want me to be happy. I see more of my daughter than I ever used to. She's quite laid-back, very chilled."
Ronnie O'Sullivan has won a record seven World Championships | PAOpening up about the move this week, O'Sullivan said: "I couldn't get anything done there.
"'The highlight of my day was going out to Stratford Westfield and having a cup of tea in the Carluccio's.
"I work a lot in the Middle East and China, and the jet lag, I could never get on top of it. That was a struggle.
"There's not really a lot to do there, is there? And there's not a lot of tables. We're not there for a bougie sort of lifestyle. I just like the simplicity of it then, the weather's great."
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