DENNIS TAYLOR contends that Ronnie O’Sullivan has diminished his intimidation factor, and he emphasizes the necessity of reuniting with his mental coach, Steve Peters, to restore it.

The Rocket, who marked his 49th birthday last Thursday, lost his UK Championship title on the opening day in York last month, bowing out to future finalist Barry Hawkins.

Dennis Taylor believes Ronnie O’Sullivan has lost his intimidation factor

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Dennis Taylor believes Ronnie O’Sullivan has lost his intimidation factorCredit: Getty
Taylor asserts O'Sullivan must reconnect with mind coach Steve Peters

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Taylor asserts O’Sullivan must reconnect with mind coach Steve PetersCredit: Getty

The most recent title he won was in March – the World Masters of Snooker in Saudi Arabia – and this season, he has found it challenging to maintain competitiveness or meet his usual high standards.

Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, Mark Allen, and Mark Williams have emerged as the premier contenders for trophies in recent times.

Taylor believes that when O’Sullivan steps onto the stage for the Scottish Open – where he will face China’s Xing Zihao on Tuesday evening – he won’t evoke the same fear in his challengers.

To alter this situation, the 1985 world snooker champion is convinced that O’Sullivan needs to rekindle his relationship with the sports psychiatrist who played a vital role in him securing many of his seven world titles.

Taylor, 75, shared his perspective with Betway: “It’s a matter of mental strength for Ronnie, and Steve Peters has been crucial to his achievements. He has won numerous world titles.

“I don’t see Steve Peters with him anymore, and Ronnie needs something akin to that to realign his mindset.

“There are times when Ronnie walks into the arena, and it’s apparent from his facial expression that he isn’t completely present.

“However, when he adopts that focused snooker demeanor and commits himself, he becomes exceptionally difficult to defeat.

“He’s faced some losses, and players do not feel as intimidated by him as they once did [when competing against him], though they still need to bring their best performance.

“I firmly believe that once he regains his mental sharpness, he will find himself back at the pinnacle of the sport.”

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