The remarkable Ronnie O’Sullivan reached the milestone of 1,000 century breaks with a thrilling 134 to retain the Players Championship in Preston on Sunday. In true O’Sullivan fashion, he even switched to left-handed to roll in the crucial red.
Next best in terms of tons is Stephen Hendry, who hit 775 during his illustrious career, proving that O’Sullivan, 43, is in a league of his own.
Sportsmail spoke to those who know him best to discover the secrets to his success…
Ronnie O'Sullivan became the first player to make 1,000 career century breaks on Sunday
RAY REARDON
(Six-time world champion and coach in 2004)
I had a bit of a calming effect on him. When he couldn’t pot all the balls I showed him there was another side to the game. It was a small department that was missing — he didn’t like playing that way.
Over the past 20 years he’s been top notch but he’s a bit better now. He’s got more systems within the system. He sees the game better than anybody, much better than I saw it. The balls open up and he’s so clever and in control of the cue ball. He’s a bit of a genius.
He’s the best player I’ve ever seen, when he’s there. Sometimes he’s there in person but his mind’s not on the game. But that’s Ronnie. The main thing is he’s happy. If you’re happy you can play better.
Former coach Ray Reardon (R) says O’Sullivan is the best player that he's ever seen
PROFESSOR STEVE PETERS
(Consultant psychiatrist)
Ronnie came to me eight years ago and we instantly formed a rapport. My job is to help people help themselves. It’s easy when you get someone like Ronnie as he’s so keen.
He’s worked very hard on the mental skills and continues to do so. It’s no different to the physical — it’s about keeping psychologically fit. Our emotions are usually the beliefs we hold. We make sure these are solid beliefs which are constructive.
We stay in touch regularly and he’s doing so well. I think what he’s developed in his own mind is that he’s absolutely driven and determined, but he’s more driven than he was. He’s learnt to gain perspective on things and not be as harsh on himself. We’re hoping he’ll play until he’s 50. That’s our aim.
The 43-year-old has worked very hard on the mental skills and continues to do so
DAMIEN HIRST
(Artist and friend)
I was a Ronnie fan and when I met him six years ago we became mates. I guess I keep him calm.
I get to as many tournaments as I can and he comes to my Hammersmith studio to help me finish paintings. I give him a colour and say: ‘Put some here’. He’s my assistant.
Ronnie’s insane. I remember a first-to-nine against John Higgins. He was 8-3 down but said: ‘He twitched, I think I’ve got him’. He lost 9-8 but it was mad — what on earth gives you that feeling?
That’s why he’s exciting — because he’s instinctive. In art I aspire to that, but pain comes with it — he plays brilliantly or terribly and that’s the pain of genius. He wants to entertain. He often says: ‘I’d rather lose and play well than win and play s***.’
Ronnie’s biggest fear is not knowing when to quit. He has to be top of the game or he won’t be interested. He’s doing a good job selecting when he wants to play and because he’s winning he’s getting the ranking points, but not doing the leg work that everyone else is.
He’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. I just want him to be happy.
Damien Hirst says that his old friend's biggest fear is not knowing when to quit
STEPHEN FEENEY
(Inventor of SightRight coaching)
We started working together this season. He wasn’t enjoying playing and I did a test that showed him he
