Ronnie O’Sullivan warned he must ‘put in the graft’ to win World Championship again after defeat to John Higgins in last 16
By Tom Masters
Published 28/04/2026 at 08:53 GMT+1
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Alan McManus warns that Ronnie O’Sullivan must ‘put in the graft’ to secure his eighth World Championship title in 2027, after suffering defeat to John Higgins at the Crucible.
'He has the juice to win this thing' - McManus urges O'Sullivan to put in the work
Video credit: TNT Sports
O’Sullivan eventually fell 13-12 in a World Championship classic, but for large chunks of the match, it was clear that he was the better player.
The Rocket had a comfortable 6-2 lead after the first session, and it was looking ominous for Higgins and the rest of the competition.
That lead stretched further to 9-4, with O’Sullivan at times playing some excellent snooker.
But Higgins, himself a four-time winner at the Crucible, found his way back into the tie and overnight trailed only 9-7.
The Scot then won a further three frames to lead 10-9 and though O’Sullivan came back to go 11-10 ahead, it was clear it would go the distance.
Eventually, though, Higgins took the win and in the process, a place in the last eight, while he now has a positive record against O’Sullivan (4-3) at the Crucible.
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'I have done well to get it that close' - O'Sullivan takes positives from Higgins loss
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports expert Alan McManus accused O’Sullivan of not taking the approach to this tournament seriously enough, and warned him that he must do so in future.
McManus said: ”Good, he should be [hurt], because he didn’t put the graft in for this tournament - I am being harsh on him here.
”The positives are that in my opinion, he has still got the juice to win this thing again. But that will only happen probably if he puts in the graft long term.”
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McManus has previously raised doubts over O’Sullivan’s ‘desire’ to keep winning the biggest tournaments after he reduced his playing schedule.
That was, in theory, to target Crucible glory again. Having failed to do so in 2026, McManus reiterated his stance that to be the best, it is all about the choices you make along the way.
The three-time World Championship semi-finalist said: ”I’ve said it before, this game, not just his, but it has to be a lifestyle choice.
”You can pick and choose your moments to go away and have two or three or four months off in the summer. But when you get down to the bones of it, that is the way that it is.
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'Just glad I came to the party' - Higgins revels in fightback win over O'Sullivan
Video credit: TNT Sports
”Neil Robertson had a golden period a few years ago, he slipped off the radar and he has struggled ever since. It took him time to get back to near his best and I don’t think he’s there yet.
”It’s a lifestyle choice, and it is Ronnie’s choice and that is fine. But, if he wants to win this thing again and I think we all know he does, maybe he could change one or two things going forward next year. I hope he does.”
Higgins will now face 2010 champion Neil Robertson after the Australian defeated Chris Wakelin 13-7, with the winner to face either reigning champion Zhao Xintong or Shaun Murphy in the semi-finals.
Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the World Championship, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
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