Ronnie O’Sullivan insists Netflix-style documentary will not add pressure 

Ronnie O’Sullivan says he ‘couldn’t give a monkey’s’ if he crashes out within the first spherical on the Crucible – although a digital camera crew are following his each transfer.

The world No1 is at present being filmed for a Netflix-style documentary, with producers hoping to seize him win a record-equalling seventh world title.

O’Sullivan, who final lifted the trophy in Sheffield in 2020, faces a troublesome opening tie in opposition to former semi-finalist and world No19 David Gilbert on Saturday.

Ronnie O’Sullivan says he will not be below additional stress as a result of being filmed for a Netflix-style documentary

But the 46-year-old mentioned: ‘If I’m going to get bombed out in the first round, I couldn’t give a monkey’s.

‘The documentary isn’t about me making an attempt to win a world title. If it occurs, nice. If not they’re going to need to put up with a first-round exit. They’re the enterprise guys behind it, I’m simply an actor.

‘The reason I’m doing it is because of everything I’ve done in my past. It’s a chance for people to watch someone they’ve followed for years.

‘Let them see the pressure, the stress, the good and the not-so-good.’

O’Sullivan insisted that he is not motivated by making an attempt to match Stephen Hendry’s document haul 

O’Sullivan additionally insists he’s not motivated by making an attempt to match Stephen Hendry’s document haul. ‘Seven, eight, nine, ten, they are just numbers to me,’ added the Rocket.

‘If people want to talk about it, great, but I am just enjoying my life. Snooker is the least important thing in my life.

‘I don’t get tied into all these information and stuff. Life first, snooker after.

‘I think anyone can win the tournament this year because there are so many good players.

‘The first round is going to be like Formula One into the first corner, it’s going to be carnage. There will be a variety of seeds going, assured.’

Mark Selby says a fifth title can be his biggest triumph given his ongoing psychological struggles

Four-time world champion Mark Selby additionally begins the defence of his title on Saturday in opposition to Jamie Jones having missed the final two tournaments as he battles melancholy.

Asked if a fifth crown can be his biggest triumph given his ongoing psychological struggles, the 38-year-old admitted: ‘Yes, for sure.

‘The game is tough enough anyway. To be here for two weeks is mentally and physically quite draining.

‘I was thinking about not playing but, as the weeks have gone on, I have seen a little bit of improvement in myself so we will give it a go.

‘It is going to be a challenge for me but a challenge I am willing to try and take on and we will see what happens.’