Ronnie O'Sullivan opponent makes 'easily' claim ahead of World Snooker Championship first-round clash

Ronnie O'Sullivan opponent makes 'easily' claim ahead of World Snooker Championship first-round clash

Watch now: GB News' sports round-up

Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 19/04/2024

- 14:53

Ronnie O'Sullivan faces Jackson Page in the first round of the World Snooker Championship on Wednesday.

Jackson Page has no fear despite being drawn to face Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round of the World Snooker Championship and feels confident about his chances of knocking the 48-year-old out of the tournament.

O'Sullivan has a chance of making history at the Crucible this year in his bid for a record eighth world title.


He can also become just the fourth player in history to win all three Triple Crown events in the same season.

The snooker icon will get his tournament underway against Page, who came through a nervy final qualifier against world No 22 Noppon Saengkham to make the main draw.

Ronnie O'Sullivan faces Jackson Page in the first round

Ronnie O'Sullivan faces Jackson Page in the first round

GETTY

Page comes into the World Championship in fine form having reached the semi-final of the World Open last month, where he pulled off an eye-catching win over Mark Selby in the earlier rounds.

And the Welshman feels he could 'easily' beat O'Sullivan if he manages to find the same form he showed a few weeks ago.

"If I bring the form I had in China like in the Selby match, I can easily do the same against Ronnie," Page said.

"He's not invincible, so if I play like that I'll win, if I don't it may be a different story.

"Everyone has the goal of going to win it. With Ronnie first, it doesn't make a difference to me, I've got to beat the table and who's in front me.

"I'll be looking forward to playing the greatest of all time on the greatest stage but I'll still want to win.

"I've played him once this season, it was a decent game.

"I had one chance in five frames. I think he had three centuries and I had one.

Jackson Page is ready to cause an upset

Jackson Page is ready to cause an upset

GETTY

"Another time, I was younger, about 15, in the UK Championship, he beat me 6-3 so hopefully I'm due a win."

O'Sullivan lost in his last match to Page's friend and mentor Mark Williams in the Tour Championship final.

However, Page won't be turning to his compatriot for any advice on beating O'Sullivan.

LATEST SPORT NEWS:

Ronnie O'Sullivan could be in for a tough opening match

Ronnie O'Sullivan could be in for a tough opening match

GETTY

"There are no tips when it comes to that," Page said.

"You've just got to play your best against Ronnie, if you don't play well then you don't really win, if I play well I can.

"You've got to attack him and just play your best, you've just got to keep him off the table, so if I play well I can do it but we'll soon see."

You may like