UK Championship 2024: Ronnie O'Sullivan enlisting help of Lee ...

Published 23/11/2024 at 13:55 GMT

Jimmy White feels Ronnie O’Sullivan’s decision to enlist the help of coach Lee Walker is an indication that his desire to win remains strong.

After a superb 2023/24 campaign that saw him win the UK Championship and The Masters, O’Sullivan has had a tough start to the current season.

He has missed a series of events, while his best results are semi-final appearances at the Shanghai Masters and Xi’an Grand Prix.

It was revealed last month that O’Sullivan had started work with Walker, who is a former professional and best known for his work with three-time world champion Mark Williams.

White believes it is a clear sign that O’Sullivan is hungry to add to his 23 Triple Crown titles.

"Lee Walker is now working with Ronnie O’Sullivan," White said on Eurosport. "That shows me how much Ronnie O’Sullivan wants to produce the form.

"Lee Walker has been with Mark Williams for a number of years and turned his game around.

"Ronnie has worked with most coaches in the game. He is always trying different things. 

"He seems very happy working with Lee Walker.

"He has not shown any form because he has not been in many tournaments, but to see Lee Walker with him means that he is giving everything he can to get the maximum out of his game."

O’Sullivan has arrived in York with questions to answer, but White feels a peak ‘Rocket’ is the player to beat.

"Ronnie O’Sullivan has not been in many events so it will be interesting to see how well he plays," White said.

"I would not like to pick a winner, but if O’Sullivan produces his form, he will be favourite."

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