'Unhelpable' Ronnie O'Sullivan names who's supported him most – 'My team's given up'

Ronnie O'Sullivan admitted he wishes he could have sports psychiatrist Steve Peters with him throughout his journey. After , setting up a must-see semi-final against Zhao Xintong, O'Sullivan is tentatively eyeing an unprecedented eighth title.

However, the Rocket admitted he is still struggling with confidence around the baize – not that his performances at the Crucible so far would suggest that. O'Sullivan had a few stodgy moments in the clash, especially in the first session when he

But while Si did not leave the Wordsley native alone, O'Sullivan used his experience to overcome the promising Chinese star.

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In his post-match interview, the World No. 5 had some interesting comments regarding his overall confidence. In a candid chat with presenter Hazel Irvine of the , Ronnie joked that his support team had given up on him. He replied, while laughing: "Team? I'm unhelpable. I think they've all given up after they've gone through the motions."

Expressing his reliance on Peters, he continued: "Steve has been amazing. I wouldn't have got round the first round without Steve. He's been incredible.

"I wouldn't have got through the first round without him I suppose. I've tried to give it my best, which I have, and I'm just hanging in there."

Hazel queried further on Peters' influence, asking: "If he's not around, do you feel different? Do you need him around?" O'Sullivan replied: "If I could afford him then I'd have him every day. I'd be like [F1 star] Lance Stroll's dad, just write the check out and he's here full-time.

"But obviously he's a busy man who I couldn't afford to have full-time. So any little bits I try and time when I can have him.

"Sheffield is a big tournament and I try to have him around for this. I'd like to be playing a bit better to try and look forward to it. I don't feel rusty at all. I've only been playing for a month, but I don't feel rusty at all.

"I played eight tournaments this year, it's not that I haven't played. It's just that I was struggling so much that I couldn't face playing.

"I had a bit of time out and thought we'd give it a go. I'm not much better, but I think with the rest I'm able to handle it a bit better. It's getting harder [each session] because of the standard.

"With the standard of each session, I won't be able to get away with what I've got away with in the last three matches. I don't think I can get any worse. But we'll have to see."

When asked about playing Zhao, with their semi-final getting underway from 1pm on Thursday, O'Sullivan tipped his hat saying: "He's such a talent. An amazing talent, and the game has missed him. It's good that he's back and playing well. To do what he's done here is incredible really."