TNT Sports
Ronnie O'Sullivan happy with surroundings after Xi'an Grand Prix whitewash win – 'As if you're on a film set'
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Published 19/08/2024 at 14:39 GMT+1
Ronnie O'Sullivan was full of praise for the venue at the Qujiang E‑sports Centre in Xi'an after completing a 5-0 whitewash win over Wang Yuchen of Hong Kong in the first round. The seven-time world champion produced a professional performance to book his spot in the last 64 without finding his top level of form. "It has a beautiful atmosphere," said the world No. 5.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has compared the city of Xi'an, home to the inaugural Xi'an Grand Prix, to like being "on a film set" following a dominant first-round victory at the event.
The seven-time world champion eased to a 5-0 win over Hong Kong's world No. 111 Wang Yuchen in his tournament opener, boosted by breaks of 72 and 52 to secure a last-64 meeting with Hungary's Bulcsu Revesz on Tuesday at 12:30pm BST.
"I have spent a couple of days here in Xi’an before," said O'Sullivan on World Snooker Tour. "It has a beautiful atmosphere, you feel as if you're on a film set. It’s definitely one of my favourite cities.
"I come to China for the food, the culture and the people, if I do well at snooker that’s a bonus.
"It was a brilliant crowd and atmosphere today, this is probably one of the best tournaments of the season now."
Despite enjoying one of his most productive campaigns last season by winning the Shanghai Masters, UK Championship, Masters, World Grand Prix and Riyadh World Masters, the 41-time ranking event winner is not content with his level of consistency.
"My game has been terrible for two years," he said. "I am looking for a longer-term plan to play the way I want to, I just have to keep showing up and trying my best."
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