Ronnie OâSullivan is hoping for his fly-on-the-wall documentary will be received by fans in a similar fashion to the widely praised âLast Danceâ of Michael Jordan.
âThe Rocketâ revealed he had been micâd up for the documentary for the entirety of this yearâs World Snooker Championships.
OâSullivan defeated Judd Trump 18â13 in the final of the Championship to deliver his seventh world title at the Crucible-equalling the record held by Scotsman Stephen Hendry.
The Last Dance
Michael Jordanâs documentary is one of the âmust seeâ Netflix shows. The 10-episode drama captured the final season of Jordanâs illustrious career as he led the Chicago Bulls to the NBA title before subsequently retiring.
Cameras may have inspired OâSullivan
OâSullivan has had a camera crew following his every move for 7â8 months. They have followed his morning routine of running on the treadmill to being present in his locker room.
OâSullivan said, per a report in The Sun:
âWhat I can tell you is Iâve given them complete access to the point of where if you could put a fly-on-the-wall and follow me for 17 days here, thatâs basically whatâs happened.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England reacts during the Betfred World Snooker Championship Quarter Final match between Ronnie O'Sullivan of England and Stephen Maguire of Scotland at Crucible Theatre on April 26, 2022 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Theyâve been in my dressing room, in my hotel room, before and after matches, after sessions.â
Some people may crumble under the pressure of being watched 24/7, and some may argue that his antics during matches may be for the show to help heighten the intrigue around the documentary.
However, anyone who has watched Ronnie over the years will know his persona, he is an entertainer, and the show will certainly be gold dust. The fact he has won the World Championship similar to Jordan and the Bulls winning the NBA certainly adds to the drama.
Rocket said: âIâm good with pressure, I can pretty much handle it. In some ways having the cameras around might have inspired me.
âIâve always had things happen to me where they just seem to work out. Things seem to fall into place so Iâm not surprised that it ended like that.
OâSullivan remains humble
Despite being the oldest ever Snooker Champion, holding the most ranking titles, most majors, most centuries, and more wins at the Crucible than any other player, Rocket does not acknowledge he is the GOAT in the sport.
However, he does concede that longevity is a big part of any sport and OâSullivan has that having debuted in the early 90s.
âYou look in other sports, itâs no different with golf or tennis to snooker really. They are all the same principle. Youâve got your Federers, Djokovics, Nadals.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England plays a shot during the Betfred World Snooker Championship Final match between Judd Trump of England and Ronnie O'Sullivan of England during Day Sixteen of the Betfred World Snooker Championship at Crucible Theatre on May 01, 2022 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
âYou have your Mayweathers, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelsons, Sennas. All of them type of guys, these are the ones you have the ultimate respect for.â
Will OâSullivanâs documentary be the best yet?
Asked if he thought it would surpass all other sporting dramas, Ronnie replied
âI donât know if itâs going to be the best. Youâll have to wait and see and watch it!
âI embraced it because whatever I get involved in, Iâm like: âWell letâs make this the best we can possibly do.â
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Ronnie O'Sullivan of England poses with the Betfred World Snooker Championship trophy after winning the Betfred World Snooker Championship Final match between Judd Trump of England and Ronnie O'Sullivan of England during Day Seventeen of the Betfred World Snooker Championship at Crucible Theatre on May 02, 2022 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
âGiven the access Iâve given them, theyâve said: âWeâve never ever had that sort of access with any other sportsman.â
âI loved that documentary, The Last Dance, it had a dream ending. The guys here have been following me for 6â7 months.
"Weâre onto a good start here.â Hopefully, people watch it and enjoy it. Itâll have a good ending.â