BEING AT TOP NOT ALL THAT GREAT

Ronnie says reaching snooker pinnacle has been an anti-climax

- SHANE MACDERMOTT 

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN played down his status as the greatest player of all time and said getting to the top is not all it's cracked up to be.

The Rocket, 48, is regarded as the GOAT by his peers.

He is bidding for a record eighth World Championship, to eclipse Stephen Hendry's haul of seven, this year in Sheffield. But it has not always been plain sailing for snooker's biggest star.

His dad, Ronnie Snr, was jailed for murder when he was 16 and he spent spells in rehab to combat alcohol and drug addiction.

The age-defying world No.1, who plays talented qualifier Jackson Page today, said: "I don't really consider myself the greatest of all time.