Ronnie O’Sullivan’s bid to secure a record eighth Crucible crown remains on track after defeating Ryan Day 13-7 to reach the quarter-finals of the World Championships; O’Sullivan credits intermittent fasting with helping him progress during the tournament
Last updated: 04/29/24 9:35 p.m
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Sky Sports’ Cam Hogwood explains how the World Snooker Championship could move on from the tournament’s legendary crucible
Sky Sports’ Cam Hogwood explains how the World Snooker Championship could move on from the tournament’s legendary crucible
Ronnie O’Sullivan praised the effects of intermittent fasting on his energy levels during this year’s World Snooker Championships after beating Ryan Day to reach the quarter-finals.
The 48-year-old, looking to secure a record eighth Crucible crown, easily progressed into the last eight after winning three of the four frames on Monday afternoon, securing a 13-7 win over Welshman Day.
O’Sullivan revealed that the challenge of completing a 17-day marathon in Sheffield is made easier by intermittent fasting, with the Englishman going without food for around 16 hours before breaking his fast to boost his energy.
He said: “I just do what’s right for me. It’s not like I sit down with someone and think about what’s right and what’s wrong and how to reach climax. A lot of people think I do. What I do is I try to eat right.” . I’m fasting intermittently for this tournament because it gives me more energy.
“There are certain things I do and that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m winning, I just need every little advantage I can get at this stage. This is a tournament of endurance, perseverance and focus. For me, intermittent fasting simply gives me a little more energy.
“As soon as the tournament is over, I will go back to eating 24 hours a day. There are times when you have to figure out what is right for you. I set a specific period of time where I don’t eat and the energy is just incredible.” I’ve always found that it works really well for me.
O’Sullivan revealed that he first discovered the benefits of intermittent fasting after a period of illness.
He added: “I got sick and the only way to give my stomach a break was not to eat. My nutritionist said, ‘The only thing you can do is not eat,’ but of course you have to eat. I did it and left.” “You know what, I love this, it’s great.” I just felt like it worked for me.
Ronnie O’Sullivan addressed the media after securing his place in the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship
“It’s 16 (hours) at the moment, sometimes 17. I try to stop around 7 p.m., but of course that’s difficult when you’re playing games. Last night was 8:30pm so I didn’t eat again until around 12:20 today.” It feels great, I’m 48 and feel full of energy. If I eat too much, I get really sluggish.
“Animals in the forest apparently go for days without food, and then they suddenly become hungry, grab their prey, eat it and digest it for a while. They don’t eat three meals a day, they just eat when you eat them.” Be hungry and give your body a break sometimes. At least it works for me.
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Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol says there is a “possibility” that the World Snooker Championship will leave The Crucible as Saudi Arabia increases its influence over the sport
O’Sullivan’s quarter-final, played over the best 25 frames, begins on Tuesday afternoon and ends on Wednesday. The semi-finals are best-of-33 frames and take place from Thursday, with the best-of-35 final starting on Sunday.
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